Customer Reviews

Wieniawski: Violin Showpieces

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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I think the previous reviewer is crazy as a three legged rat; these performances are Awesome!!! These pieces encompass some of the most difficult violin scores to master, but Bisengaliev tears through them like a Sunday Stroll through the park. His performance is First Rate! If you enjoy Paganini, Joachim, and Sarasate, then Wieniawski should be included in your collection. If you hadn't noticed Wien. was Polish, therefore most of these pieces are Folksy Dances. They are the Chopin equivalent of the Violin, unbelievably virtuoso music. Wieniawski has his own style and uses ricochet bowing, double stops, harmonics, and a few other tricks. If you enjoy 19th Century Virtuoso Violin, you will not be disappointed with this CD!

This is one of my favorite violin recordings. These Wieniawski showpieces are really appealing pieces of music, full of thrilling virtuosity and gorgeous melodies. They are wonderful fun to listen to one or two at a time or in longer sittings. My favorites are the Scherzo-tarantelle, and the two Mazurkas, Op. 19, especially "Oboeertass" with its strangely atmospheric and exotic harmonies.

Marat Bisengaliev plays these pieces marvelously. His virtuosity is amazing and his resonant tone is one of the most appealing I've heard. The Naxos recording is also first-rate. The sound is clear and brilliant with ambiance and with a good natural balance between piano and violin.

Two things I can say: Wieniawski the composer and Marat Bisengaliev the violinist should both be better known. I don't think you will be disappointed in this recording.

Wieniawski was such a formidable violinist that his show off pieces are practicaly impossible to play. I would like to let know to Leslie Gerber that Wieniawski was, by unanimous consent, the best violinist of his time, just like Paganini.
Zdenko