Customer Reviews

Ruggiero Ricci: Decca Recordings, 1950-1960 (Limited Edition) [Box Set]

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This five disc box set featuring the Decca Recordings (1950-60) of violinist Ruggiero Ricci is easily the best of the latest batch of releases in the limited edition "Original Masters" series. Nearly 3/4 of this collection is material that is being made available for the first time internationally. All of the first three CDs (CD1: Paganini's 24 Caprices; CD2: Paganini's 1st & 2nd VCs with Collins and Ravel's Tzigane with Ansermet; and CD3: Strauss and Weber Sonatas) and most of the fifth disc (Hindemith & Prokofiev Sonatas) fall into this category. Furthermore, all of the material on CD4 (Saraste & Saint-Saens with Gamba and Lalo's "Symphonie Espagnole" with Ansermet) was previously available on a disc in Decca's "Classic Sound" series but it has been out of print for years. In fact, the only selection currently in print from this set is Khachaturian's Violin Concerto (Fistoulari, 1956), which is available on a Double Decca title that I had fortunately yet to purchase. The only downside to this collection is the predominance of mono recordings (only the Tzigane, CD 4 and the Hindemith & Prokofiev Sonatas are in stereo), but they still sound delightful, and only the Paganini Caprices suffer the slightest hiss. In all, another great set in the "Original Masters" series.

I've been waiting for these Ricci productions to be transferred to CD for years and years. Why did it take so long?

Ricci, to me, is an astounding violinist who loves his instrument. Don't expect Ruggiero to play like anyone else; he is
unique among fiddle players. Ricci is, well, Ricci.

I once owned everything he recorded in the 50's and 60's; much
of it can be found here. And, make no mistake, these recordings
were mastered on state-of-the-art equipment and do not sound dated at all.

You will not find cookie-cutter performances from Ruggiero Ricci.
Here you will find a new way. The Prokofiev tracks have been
fondled by sweet hands too long; listen to Ricci. He plays
Prokofiev in a devilishly different style. And 'O !! his Tzigane by Ravel is played so hauntingly that you will get the creeps !!
Leave the lights on if you must, but it's best listened to in the dark. Your skin will crawl.

After having watched Ricci six times during two long decades in Caracas, I even can evocate and still remember with meridian clarity, the powerful sound, the enraptured vibratos and vibrant staccatos to produce an expressive sound, without excess of the Romantic vision of violinists such as Menuhin, for instance. Thanks to Ricci I always preferred the Guarnerius del Gesu 1734 rather than the well know Stradivarius sound.

This album contains a very special selection that talks by itself about his overwhelming technique and voluptuous lyricism.

His approach about two of his most beloved composers, Paganini and Sarasate are simply illuminating. But the sound talks better than any other compliment. Go for this five albums set and enjoy over and over about one of the most distinguished violinists of the past Century.