Paganini: 24 Caprices, Op.1

Five BRILLIANT Stars! Awesome performances by the award-winning German violin virtuoso Julia Fischer focused exclusively on Niccolò Paganini's famous 24 Caprices for Violin, Opus 1. Paganini's caprices are known for being among the most technically difficult, treacherous, and at the same time some of the most beautiful violin pieces ever composed, clearly evoking the Romantic period with deep emotionalism, at times amid some of the most searing showers of notes imaginable. One of the foremost violinists of his time, these compositions are like 'time capsules', reflecting the incredible 'state of Paganini's violin artistry'- extraordinary virtuosity, demonstrated all over Europe, solidifying his reputation as a great composer and musician, even influencing Franz Liszt. Julia was 8 when she sat fascinated while a violinist played all 24 Caprices, as she followed along with the sheet music, and became intent on performing them one day. This CD was recorded in her hometown of Munich at the August Everding Hall with excellent sound and presence. While some may think of these as individual show-stopping virtuosic pieces for encore performances, she sees them as a valid body of compositional work flowing from one piece to another and reflecting unique moods and specific violin skills in each "miniature", some so technical that they seem to be at the edge of rapid fingering and bowing possibility. The joyous Caprice No. 1 in E sets the stage for what follows with its marvelous kinetic bowed fireworks and over-the-top demands, played with fire, grace, nuance, and dexterity by Ms Fischer. Other most notable caprices include Caprice No. 6 in G Minor ("the Trill Caprice") which is stunning in composition and execution by Fischer who daringly uses a mute, creating an otherworldly sound at times like an accordion, a horn, and a flute. Caprice No. 9 in E ("the Hunt") is played very stately and deliberate, while Caprice No. 11 in C is full of aching beauty, giving way to a spritely dance in the middle. The 'pièce de résistance' is the famous Caprice No 24 in A Minor: 4 minutes and 22 seconds of heightened musical drama, with Fischer brilliantly stating the themes and eleven challenging variations, including the buoyant left-hand pizzicato section. This superb and unique CD is a great addition to the Julia Fischer discography. Bravo, Ms Fischer. My Highest Recommendation. Five DAZZLING Stars! (This review is based on an iTunes download: 24 tracks: 76:41 total time, with digital booklet. Julia Fischer plays a 1742 Guadagnini violin. Trivia: Julia Fischer has won all 8 competitions that she entered: 5 in classical violin and 3 in classical piano. Quite a feat!)

Brilliant in the sense of sparkling - obligatory with these pieces.
Variations can be a curate's egg - these are so cleverly conceived that they stand as a whole and not just parts - the sum being much greater too.
An accomplished pianist too - diabelli variations next?

Staggeringly brilliant performances by the very best of the current extraordinary crop of very fine young female violinists. If you want a recording of this music, do not hesitate.