Customer Reviews

Virtuoso

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I first heard of violin prodigy David Garrett in a Barnes and Noble in-store play, and picked up his eponymous (US) debut David Garrett. However, I felt that the North American version, which was cobbled together from 2007's "Virtuoso" and 2008's "Encore," was a tad short. I went searching for other Garrett recordings only to discover that they're only available as super-expensive imports. After comparing tracklistings on Free, Virtuoso and Encore, I decided on the version of Virtuoso that has Pachelbel's Canon in D (the other pressing does not). Many of the tracks are also on "David Garrett" (Carmen, Nothing Else Matters, Csardas, Duelling Banjos), but there are other superb additions such as Morricone's "La Califfa," Paganini's Rhapsody (best known from Andrew Lloyd Webber's divine Variations), Bernstein's "Somewhere," Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee" (for which David set a Guinness World Record for fastest performance on live TV at 66 seconds, or 13 notes per second), Secret Garden's "You Raise Me Up" (check out the stunning original by Irish singer Brian Kennedy, NOT Josh Groban, on You Raise Me Up), and three original compositions, "Serenade," "Toccata," and "Eliza's Song."

Opening with La Califfa (of which Sarah Brightman did a stunning cover of on La Luna), there is much more of a classical crossover vibe on Virtuoso rather than a rock feel per the North American update (which featured AC/DC, Metallica, Queen and Michael Jackson). The next four tracks are the same versions on "David Garrett"; Csardas is particularly good and brings to mind Brahms' Hungarian Dance Number 5 (the bonus track is a chillout version of Csardas that's got a Nuevo Flamenco vibe in the last third of the song). "Pachelbel's Canon" is a pleasing update on this Baroque gem that manages to be traditional and modern at the same time; the intro stays fairly close to the score, then David gently and deftly takes the song into new directions (if you like Christmas Canon, you'll love David's cover or vice versa).

"Paganini's Rhapsody" was an interesting experiment. I grew up listening to Julian Lloyd Webber's version of Variations - Variations I-IV and it was a treat to hear this on violin (David's full version, recorded when he was a teenager, is available at Paganini: Caprices). Again, David sticks to the score for the first few measures, then branches out. There's some interesting use of acoustic guitar providing a forceful strummed bassline and percussion (tambourine, xylophone, bells). This one is technically challenging and gorgeous; it almost sounds like the score to Danny Elfman's Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in places.

"The Flight of the Bumblebee" is also played at breakneck speed (1:20), showcasing David's technical prowess at super-fast fingering yet maintaining clarity of tone. The original tracks "Serenade" and "Eliza's Song" are soft and romantic in a bittersweet way (according to the liner notes, "Serenade" was inspired by unrequited love on David's part). The hard-rocking "Toccata" sounds like Bach on Red Bull with an espresso chaser. This one must be impressive in concert...I can picture strobe lights flashing to the driving melody and electric guitar riffs. "You Raise Me Up" takes Virtuoso back into calmer waters (I would LOVE to hear David record/perform this with Brian Kennedy on vocals...that would be a dream team), finishing up with "Eliza's Song." The bonus mix of Csardas is almost identical to the album version except for the last minute or so.

So is "Virtuoso" worth the hefty import price? After all, it costs many times more than David's North American debut. For me, I found "Virtuoso" to be more rewarding as I appreciated the classical covers more. The tracks seemed stronger overall, and I really enjoyed "Canon," "Paganini's Rhapsody," and "Flight of the Bumblebee." If you're a rock fan, you'll likely find David Garrett more rewarding, as it features covers of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal," AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," the "Pirates of the Caribbean" theme, and Queen's "Who Wants to Live Forever?" At any rate, David is an immensely talented violinist and composer who deserves to be heard.

This CD is wonderful. The quality of the sound is excellent and the song selections showcase the huge range of David Garrett's ability. Great CD.

David Garrett is absolutely outstanding!!! This CD is just beautiful to listen to.

I just ordered his newest CD "Classic Romance" heard a short preview of a song, it is going to be another outstanding CD.

I would recommend any of his music in CD~DVD~MP3,classic or crossover all are outstanding. Yes I am a fan.

This artist appeals to all ages and adds his unique blend of talent and passion to the music. Treat yourself to listening or viewing this remarkable young classical violinist. He has his own interpretation which is new and refreshing. His relaxed demeanor and romancing of the violin leaves the listener inspired and left wanting more. He has total command of his instrument as he and his violin mesh in oneness. One senses his originality while staying true to the past. He makes current the classics of the past. Truly there are no words to describe this highly talented musician. He instantly moved to the top of my list of favorites. He is without a doubt an inspired artist who transmits that inspiration listening to him. Can't hear enough from this fine young artist.

Had the pleasure of seeing David Garrett live in concert!!!!Please go and see him when he comes to your area you won't be disappointed!
He played many of the songs from Virtuoso,I highly recommend this CD it is like being there live.
David is really the master at fusing classical,rock and movie theme songs together in his style that anyone can enjoy.
His version of Somewhere is the most beautiful rendition I have heard to date.
This is an absolute must have CD!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so glad I was able to purchase this CD from Amazon.com I had no problem with the transaction and got it in a timely maner and of course David's CD is the best as always, his music is truly for all people and anyone who knows his music knows what a special and very talented guy he is, so everyone buy it!!!! You can't go wrong.

Beuatiful music. Beautiful person. I just saw David Garret live and he is brilliant. Very different violin playing. Love the cd.

David Garrett is brilliant & creative. I love his work. Can't wait for more!!!!

GREAT CD! LOVE ALL THE SONGS- BRAND NEW CD CAME IN A FEW SHORT DAYS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

I have enjoyed listing to David Garret since I first heard him on public tv. I was glad to know there were other cd's out there that he had made. The cd arrived in good condition.