Markov premieres Vieuxtemps

‘For every violinist, Henry Vieuxtemps is a pinnacle of violin virtuosity and romanticism. His music is a monumental part of the violin repertoire that any serious violinist learns at some point. I felt very honoured when I was contacted by Agnes Briolle-Vieuxtemps to make world premiere recordings of newly-discovered works by Vieuxtemps. It represented both a great discovery and a unique opportunity.

This album includes Vieuxtemps’ fascinating Variations on a Theme from Beethoven’s Romance No. 1 as well as the gorgeous, unfinished Violin Concerto No. 8 in one movement. My father, concert violinist and composer Albert Markov, has also written a very dramatic cadenza for the concerto.’

Alexander Markov


World Premiere Recordings
8.574363

Vieuxtemps transformed the technique and aesthetic of violin playing in the 19th century, and as a virtuoso exponent and composer he was considered a worthy successor to Paganini. His works for violin and orchestra illustrate two notable features – a liking for variation form and the fusion of emotional density with virtuosic flair. These can be heard in the impressive Variations on a Theme from Beethoven’s Romance No. 1 and his Fantasie in E major ‘La Sentimentale’, one of his very greatest concert fantasies, where the music is influenced by bel canto. All of the works on this album were discovered after the composer’s death apart from the the unfinished Violin Concerto No. 8 – one of Vieuxtemps’ last compositions and dedicated to his most illustrious pupil, Eugène Ysaÿe.

Listen to an extract from Fantasie, Op. 9b, 'La Sentimentale'
About the Artists

Alexander Markov has been hailed as one of the world’s most captivating and versatile musicians, and is particularly known for his interpretations of 19th-century, romantic virtuoso repertoire, with his performances of Paganini’s 24 Caprices reaching over 11 million views on YouTube. Markov made his solo debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of 16 and has appeared with renowned orchestras and conductors around the world, including Lorin Maazel and Charles Dutoit.

Markus Huber has served as principal conductor of the Collegium Instrumentale Chemnitz (from 1999) and the Leipzig Symphony Orchestra (2003), principal guest conductor of the Bulgarian Chamber Orchestra (2002–07) and general music director of the Theater Pforzheim (2008–19). He is a permanent guest conductor with the Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra and Johann Strauss Ensemble, and has led orchestras across Germany, the US, Finland and Asia. He has been chief conductor of the Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha⁠-⁠Eisenach since 2019.

The Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach’s versatile repertoire spans all musical epochs, from the Baroque to contemporary, music theatre and film music. The orchestra is frequently invited to perform abroad as well as nationally and regionally, including as a regular guest at venues such as the Alte Oper Frankfurt and in Zürich, Antwerp and Salzburg, serving as an ambassador for Thuringia’s extraordinary, long⁠-⁠standing music tradition.

More albums of Henry Vieuxtemps’ works for violin
8.554506
Violin Concertos Nos. 1 and 4
Keylin • Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra • Burkh • Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra • Yuasa
‘Misha Keylin has a lot to be exuberant about: his first⁠-⁠rate technique, appealing sense of sonority and keen focus on the orchestral score are as commendable as the compositions he interprets. ’
The Strad
8.554114
Violin Concertos Nos. 2 and 3
Keylin • Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra • Burkh
‘Misha Keylin gives highly persuasive performances that constantly tickle the ear in their subtlety of bowing and colour.’
The Penguin Guide
8.557016
Violin Concertos Nos. 5, 6 and 7
Keylin • Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra • Mogrelia • Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra • Yuasa
‘Throughout the disc, Keylin’s technical facility is allied to real feeling for the music, without which these works can strain interest.’
ClassicsToday.com
8.570974
★★★★
★★★★
‘Every installment in Keylin’s survey of Vieuxtemps is absolutely first-rate.’
American Record Guide
8.573993
★★★★
‘The performances are by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) ... and feature its concertmaster, German violinist Retto Kuppel, and principal cellist, Russian Kirill Bogatyrev. Both soloists give technically accomplished, stunning renditions of Henry’s flashy scores, and receive enthusiastic support from the QPO.’
Classical Lost and Found
8.573339
★★★★
‘Reto Kuppel [is] superbly attuned to the genre… All the necessary brilliance and incisive attack is there as you would expect, but also the same breadth and power of tone.’
Gramophone
Visit www.naxos.com for the full list of titles in the 19th Century Violinist-Composers series


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