24 Caprices

Paganini (Artist), Markov (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 25, 1991)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B000005E7D
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #312,574 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. 24 Capricci Op. 1: E Major

2. 24 Capricci Op. 1: B Minor

3. 24 Capricci Op. 1: E Minor

4. 24 Capricci Op. 1: C Minor

5. 24 Capricci Op. 1: A Minor

6. 24 Capricci Op. 1: G Minor

7. 24 Capricci Op. 1: A Minor

8. 24 Capricci Op. 1: E Flat Major

9. 24 Capricci Op. 1: E Major

10. 24 Capricci Op. 1: G Minor

11. 24 Capricci Op. 1: C Major

12. 24 Capricci Op. 1: A Flat Major

13. 24 Capricci Op. 1: B Flat Major

14. 24 Capricci Op. 1: E Flat Major

15. 24 Capricci Op. 1: E Minor

16. 24 Capricci Op. 1: G Minor

17. 24 Capricci Op. 1: E Flat Major

18. 24 Capricci Op. 1: C Major

19. 24 Capricci Op. 1: E Flat Major

20. 24 Capricci Op. 1: D Major

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent live performance, October 28, 2003

By 

Ian Nicklin (Bozeman, MT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 24 Caprices (Audio CD)

I am an avid violinist who has just finished high school. Paganini wrote these caprices upon early retirement in early adulthood at about the same age as me. Within these 24 caprices lies the incredible technical wizardry of his playing.

However, what is not present in the sheet paper is the demonic, powerful, and vivacious playing of the great master himself. As a violinist, it is obvious truth that much of Paganini's secrets disappeared with him to the grave.

This leads up to this recording. As a violinist who is currently playing through caprices No. 1, 14, 20, and 24, this recording captures the essence of what Paganini should be. Markov's recording is not technically perfect and is bested in many aspects by other interpretations (Midori, for example). However, what makes this performance so incredible is the fact that it was recorded live in Italy and it exemplifies the dark, mysterious attributes of the composer. The pure wickedness with which Markov plays the caprices is definitely the most accurate interpretation: Paganini was most well known for pushing the violin to its limits, improvising readily in concert, and creating incredible musical contrasts. This is something that definitely does not come out on any other recording that I know of: other recordings are technically better but lack spirit and emotion, others are excellent but have an entirely different musical interpretation (Perlman).

If all that had been accomplished was technique, perhaps the caprices would be etudes for study. Instead, they are the most powerful statement that an unaccompanied violinst can make, alongside the Bach unaccompanied Sonatas and Partitas. Markov demonstrates this in a most excellent fashion, pushing the edge of musicality while keeping as much of the technical framework as is truly needed.

The result is stunning, even compared to standards such as Accardo (another excellent interpretation, much more technical and arguably boring in comparison). Markov is truly a demon violinist, especially on the 24th caprice.

This recording is a necessity for lovers of Paganini's works, classical fans, and especially violinists.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who claims to know "how it was meant to be played"?, April 10, 2002

By 

Maria (violin United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 24 Caprices (Audio CD)

After Seeing comments of some "highly acclaimed critics" on this website I must say that they seem not to have a need for Mr. Markov's CD but rather a desperate craving for a metronome and a synthesizer.
Rythm? Yes, a caprice is capricious, but I have a strong feeling of rythm in this heartfelt interpratation, and what? Do I not have a feeling for an even beat? I can still tap my foot if I want to. Will I enjoy this performance more? I doubt it.
Who really knows "How it was meant to be played"(I do not claim know)? Many claim to know, but who REALLY knows? Do they arrive at these precise conclusions after exhuming and examining dead bodies of composers? Sure, there are general guidelines in scores, but it is only comparable to a very general outline. I would hate to see all performers striving to recreate intentions of composers. Each individual interpratation is like a jewel. This one is certainly a precious stone, priceless, yet still [affordable].
Intonation? It is funny that someone would have a need to complain. I was blessed with the curse of absolute pitch (supposedly) and in my humble opinion anyone who complains about this CD should put as much effort into self criticism as s/he did in writing a review that complains about intonation. I challenge this person/s to finding one Pagannini CD that has perfect intonation. This "perfection" does not exhist. I am not an emotional wreck looking for "emotional highs" I love "perfection".
I feel comical to even speak about these details. I only write to say this, because if a young player is drawn away from buying this CD, simply because of a very amatour critique (after maybe one semester of "Music and The Place It Has in Our Lives" in some small college) it would be an irrepairable loss. This must be the CD that I remember so fondly when as a child of six, I looked up to Mr. Markov and practiced six hours a day while listening to his CD (tape back then) every day. I can not express to You, how warmly I feel about this miracle, jewel of a performance.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Demonic Paganini, August 19, 1999

By 

toscha (Palo Alto, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 24 Caprices (Audio CD)

I have never heard a performance of Paganini caprices played with such demonic abandon! Alexander Markov has temperament and technique to burn. Through his magical performances, these caprices begin to breath a new life. Mr. Markov never seems to be afraid of tasking risks, and the risks he takes! His tone is fiery and at times quite percussive as the music demands, but can be etheral as well. Here is a performance that really evokes the diabolical legend of Paganini. Enjoy!