Henri Vieuxtemps - Music for Violin and Orchestra (Misha Keylin)

Information

Composer: Henri Vieuxtemps

1. Fantasia appassionata, Op. 35
2. Ballade et Polonaise, Op. 38
3. Fantaisie Caprice, Op. 11
4. Greeting to America, Op. 56

Misha Keylin, violin
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Mogrelia, conductor

Date: 2010
Label: Naxos
https://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.570974

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Review

ARTISTIC QUALITY: 9 / SOUND QUALITY: 9

Following in Paganini's footsteps, Henri Vieuxtemps was a touring violinist who composed showpieces that dazzled audiences and earned the respect of the likes of Schumann and Berlioz. Misha Keylin has recorded Vieuxtemps' Violin Concertos for Naxos and he now turns to four pieces that offer similar virtuoso opportunities.

In the Fantasia appassionata Op. 35 his mastery of the work's challenges is evident, especially in the rollicking finale where he plays with fleet-fingered finesse. Even more impressive is the poetic affection and golden timbre he projects in the slower sections. Similar observations hold true for the other pieces as well.

In the Ballade et Polonaise Op. 38 Keylin makes the most of Vieuxtemps' pensive melodies in the Ballade, and in the Polonaise, announced by the orchestral brass section, he plays with rhythmic lift, the tone ranging from velvety bottom to sweet though not sugary top notes. In the Fantasie Caprice we get more of the same, with impressive double-stop passages for the violin along with a helping of Vieuxtemps' zesty orchestral writing.

The final piece on the program, Greeting to America, may be the one most listeners will enjoy, if only because its quotes from the Star-Spangled Banner and Yankee Doodle make it a potential camp hit, though the violin pyrotechnics offer virtuoso kicks on their own. Still, when the orchestra breaks into the national anthem you'll think it's an accidental tape splice from a recording of Madama Butterfly.

There are no masterpieces here, but there is plenty of splendid playing by Keylin, good orchestral support by Andrew Mongrelia and the Slovak radio band, and despite the musical equivalent of empty calories, more than enough to satisfy lovers of Romantic violin music. Incidentally, Naxos anglicizes Henri to Henry on the front and back covers and in the booklet, perhaps in tribute to his touring America. Still, if that's the reason, "Hank" might have been more appropriate.

-- Dan Davis, ClassicsToday

More reviews:
https://www.thestrad.com/vieuxtemps-fantasia-appassionata-op35-ballade-et-polonaise-op38-fantaisie-caprice-op11-greeting-to-america-op56/5827.article
http://www.allmusic.com/album/vieuxtemps-music-for-violin-orchestra-mw0001989902
https://www.naxos.com/reviews/reviewslist.asp?catalogueid=8.570974&languageid=EN
https://www.amazon.com/Fantasia-Appassionata-Ballade-Polonaise-VIEUXTEMPS/dp/B003DQWPA6

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Henri Vieuxtemps (17 February 1820 – 6 June 1881) was a Belgian composer and violinist. He occupies an important place in the history of the violin as a prominent exponent of the Franco-Belgian violin school during the mid-19th century. The bulk of Vieuxtemps's compositions were for his own instrument, including seven concertos and a variety of short salon pieces. He is also known for playing upon what is now known as the Vieuxtemps Guarneri del Gesu, built in 1741, a violin of superior workmanship. The instrument was later played by noted violin masters like Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Vieuxtemps

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Misha Keylin (born 1970 in St. Petersburg, Russia) is a Russian-American violinist. He immigrated to the United States at nine and had his New York Carnegie Hall début at age 11. He currently resides in New York and performs on a violin made by Antonio Gagliano in 1831. Keylin has garnered numerous awards (including “Critic’s Choice” by The New York Times, Gramophone and The Strad) for his complete CD series for Naxos of the seven Henry Vieuxtemps’ Violin Concertos. These recordings have sold over 150,000 copies worldwide.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misha_Keylin

http://www.keylin.com/

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