Kavakos: Virtuoso | Decca 4789377

Kavakos: Virtuoso

Label: Decca

Cat No: 4789377

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 1

Genre: Chamber

Release Date: 1st April 2016

Contents

About

Leonidas Kavakos, one of the world’s finest violinists, showcases virtuoso works for the violin: included on this album are some of the most exciting and challenging violin works ever written, alongside beautiful, lyrical encores.

Displaying a formidable technique to stunning effect, Leonidas Kavakos is heard here at his very best; his unique style stealing the show in a dazzling, wide-ranging progamme.

Features the devilish and highly demanding violin writing of Italian Paganini alongside the Spanish influences of De Falla and Tarrega, the Czech allure of Dvorak, the elegance of Britten and Elgar, and the Russian spirit of Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky.

All the works expertly recorded here are associated with great players of the past – touring virtuosi travelling across Europe, looking to impress. On our European journey we hear flashy showpieces, tender romantic pieces, and everything in between.

Leonidas Kavakos plays the Abergavenny Stradivarius of 1724 – a violin which itself will almost certainly have  known legendary performances of these incredible works, and which sings here as if Kavakos was born to play them on this instrument

Known at the highest level for his virtuosity and superb musicianship, multiple award-winning Leonidas Kavakos has an enviable touring schedule playing with the world’s greatest orchestras and most outstanding chamber music partners; and an exclusive recording contract with Decca Classics.

Reviews

… it’s a hugely enjoyable disc, with pianist Enrico Pace joining Kavakos in zingy performances of Stravinsky, Strauss, Sarasate and Wieniawski, alongside less obvious showpieces, including Britten’s Reveille, a gorgeously eerie pre-echo of Peter Grimes. Erica Jeal

 

The Guardian 15 April 2016
It’s not just the enticing morceaux on offer and the undiluted pleasure of hearing a great violinist at the top of his game (musically and technically). It’s Kavakos’s knack of treating the microphone as though it were a group of his close friends who have been invited round to his place. You are given the impression of eavesdropping on a pair of musicians having a real blast (Enrico Pace is the other – a marvellously attentive but far from self effacing accompanist). ... I can’t remember when I last enjoyed a violin recital quite as much as this.  Jeremy Nicholas
Gramophone June 2016

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