Chopin on Violin

Catherine Manoukian (Artist), Frederic Chopin (Composer), Akira Eguchi (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Akira Eguchi
• Composer: Frederic Chopin
• Audio CD (January 8, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Marquis Music
• ASIN: B00000IOAU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #335,523 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A most heartfelt innovation to violin repertoire!, August 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Chopin on Violin (Audio CD)

The recent release "Chopin on Violin" featuring Canadian violinist Catherine Manoukian is a masterpiece of the first-rate, both in inspiration and execution. This disc of all Chopin transcriptions for the violin, conceived of and commissioned by the artist herself, is a wonderful innovation to violin repertoire. Miss Manoukian, an extremely gifted individual who displays a unique musical as well as personal character throughout her recording, offers a welcome change to the bland debut-album-encore repertoire that has become an exhausted cliché during the last decade or so. The recording also neatly coincides with the 150th anniversary of Frédéric Chopin's death, to whom the artist dedicates her work. She cites in the liner notes that Chopin has been an important influence on the formation of her musical style. Indeed, the listener becomes mesmerised at the depth of her passion; it is a most heartfelt performance. This disc is highly recommendable. It is an excellent display of the power of genuine enthusiasm when coupled with such mature intellect - a rare accomplishment for an individual as young as Miss Manoukian.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, January 31, 2001

By 

Harry (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chopin on Violin (Audio CD)

This is certainly an excellent CD both in concept and performance.

The idea of collecting violin transcriptions of Chopin's pieces is wonderful (and original, too, I believe). These beautiful pieces are transcribed by the greatest musical minds and played caringly by Manoukian and Eguchi. Manoukian's tone is crisp yet sweet. The Cello sonata sounds like it was really intended for the Violin. Please also note the tasteful performance of two Nocturnes transcribed by Sarasate. The notes written by Manoukian are also very enjoyable.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lyrically beautiful recording, February 15, 2003

By 

Robert Elgie (Ajax, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chopin on Violin (Audio CD)

I don't want to say much about the propriety of transcribing Chopin's solo piano works for violin and piano. In the case of the Nocturne in C# minor though, it cannot be a very great sin, I think, since Chopin himself composed it using material from two other works. And in this case my ear and my heart agree that the arrangement works wonderfully. Manoukian's intensely emotional phrasing and intonation take this beautiful piece places that the percussive sound of the piano doesn't. Her lines sing and soar and float until I find myself in tears from the sheer beauty of it.

While the C# minor Nocturne is, for me, the highlight of this recording, the other tracks are also satisfying. The playing of both Manoukian and Akira Eguchi, her accompanist, is excellent. The recorded sound is also just fine, well balanced and warm.

Chopin purists may object, but others who want to hear some beautiful Chopin sensitively played with different colours will treasure this fine recording.