Customer Reviews

Tartini: The Devil's Sonata / Andrew Manze

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Very very interesting. If you are looking for a beautiful, fluid, modern recording of the Devil's Sonata/Devil's Trill, try, perhaps, Nathan Milstein's Italian Sonatas. But if you are familiar with the usual sound of Tartini and are looking for something that engages both musically and intellectually, this is it. Certainly as virtuousic as any baroque recording one can readily think of, but conjures up the baroque era as a passionate and creative time, not just a technically miraculous one.

I started years ago, collecting CDs of Vivaldi's works. Along the way I began to realize that, while I loved Vivaldi, there was a wealth of Italian Baroque works to be discovered and, the period, itself, being at the heart of my obsession.

And then I discovered Tartini in this CD. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The intricacy and the vision. The Devil's Sonata - aka, The Devil's Trill came to Tartini in a dream which he explains, he tried to capture upon waking. He feels he did a poor job but, there is nothing poor about this work. Nothing lacking either from his variations on Corelli ("L'arte del arco") or Sonata in A minor.

If you enjoy this musical period and it's masters, you cannot be without this particular recording. It is well worth the 2 weeks waiting it may take to get it (it's an import). Andrew Manze has clearly embraced this period's music ... and soul ... and that clearly shines through this recording. I can't recommend this selection highly enough.

If you love Vivaldi ... you will love this as well.

If I wish to demonstrate to someone why the 'Baroque Violin' is special, this is the album I play to them. There is no 'modern' rendering that approaches it. The dynamic range, intimacy and passion inherent in this CD are incomparable. Though I am sure the adherents of Josh Bell, Sarah Chang and Vanessa Mae would hoot me down, I will assert that in musicianship and technical ability Manze is the finest violinist living. Period.

In over 20 years of pursuing the 'ideal' solo violin recording this would be my choice.

Manze's interpretation of the Devil's Trill Sonata is absolutely breathtaking. Other than the pure amazing virtuosity, the most brilliant part of Manze's rendition is that despite the extreme amount of liberty he takes with the piece, it still remains true to the style and feel of the original.

Tartini said that he heard the Sonata played by the Devil in a dream, but was unable to fully capture the way it sounded when he woke and composed it. When I hear Manze's version, I can't imagine the piece could have been any better in Tartini's original dream than it is on this CD.

If you are a purist this rendition might not interest you from a historical perspective. However, as a music lover, I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't like this amazing CD. Enjoy!

I picked this disc up several years ago, and I frequently return to it whenever I crave a fine example of baroque violin. The naysayers will say what they will about Manze's departure from a literal interpretation of the music, while his advocates point out that this is very much in the style of baroque performers as historians now understand it.

In either case, Manze proves that this music is still as alive and relevant as it was in Tartini's day. The perfomance is technically above reproach. The only complaint I can think of, and I'm nitpicking here, is that there is just a bit too much reverb for my liking. I prefer a much more straightforward recording of solo violin work, such as in the Michael Rabin or Itzhak Perlman recordings of Paganini's 24 Caprices.

This disc was well worth the $20 I paid for it.

Andrew Manze utterly captures the essence of Baroque playing in this recording. At the heart of Baroque tradition is embellishment and intricate decoration, beautifully exmplified in this work. The quality of Manze's playing is heard in his masterful control of tone and dynamic. As a violinist, I am awed by his ability and the passion that he exudes. In particular his dynamic range and control of vibrato makes this work fascinating to listen to. If you wish to hear a recording that best exemplifies the music of the Baroque period as it was intended to be played, this recording is for you.

Having listened to several performances of Tartini's the Devil's Sonata this is simply gorgeous. Andrew Manze is breathtaking and amazing, to think it is only played by one man yet it seems like a full orchestra. The technique of the Devil's Sonata is estounding and truelly unigue and masterful, but with Manze it was made Heavenly. I was taken away by this CD and I think anyone with a true appreciation for beauty will be. I like to think Tartini would be proud of this performance.

Angela.

An intensely emotional piece played magnificently by Manze. At points in this recording you'll swear he's playing two violins.

Great recording! Fabulous story about how Tartini was inspired to write the Devil's Sonata after a deep dream experience. Fascinating! The other pieces are equally good. The performance is deeply felt and, at times, even meditative. Highly recommend!

This recording had been awarded by the Penguin Guide with a Rosette and recommended by Gramophone. It seems that everybody is in agreement. And you can't deny Manze virtuosity. But every time I play it, I want to call it Capriccio and not a Baroque Sonata. The decision to remove the accompaniment for these works was based on a letter Tartini wrote to Delalande on 1750 where he stated that he played the sonatas with the violin solo. He did wrote the accompaniment but it was customarily at that time to do so. And I guess at the end independently if the intentions of the composer were for this sonatas to be played with basso continuo or not, it's a matter of personal preference. I am little bit more conservative and like to listen it "a la Wallfisch" with the accompaniment. And yes Manze's CD it's a great accomplishment!