Classical Music | Violin Music

Recorded on 01/04/2006, uploaded on 03/01/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Recitativo and Scherzo, Op. 6, for violin solo          Fritz Kreisler

At the end of his concerts, Vienna-born violin virtuoso Fritz Kreisler invariably played encores, which he indicated were arrangements by him of eighteenth-century pieces he had discovered. Not being able to find any copies of these pieces, a suspicious New York music critic asked if, in fact, Kreisler had composed the pieces himself. Kreisler admitted that he had, and while this minor hoax irritated many, today these Kreisler miniatures remain among the most often played encores. One composition he did immediately admit to having composed is the short Recitativo and Scherzo, a Caprice for Solo Violin. The Recitativo portion opens dramatically in the richer lower tones of the violin, with much double stopping, establishing a solemn yet dramatic mood. The Scherzo portion brings a contrasting playfulness and charm utilizing the brighter violin tones. I enjoy presenting this piece in performance because of its display of expression and beauty through brilliant virtuosity and for its contrasting moods of dark and light.    Judy Kang

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.