Various Artists - Duos for Violin & Cello - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Underplayed, under-recorded, and quite underappreciated, the repertory for two unaccompanied violins rose in popularity in the first decades of the eighteenth century. But few listeners are aware that Antonio Vivaldi was among the first to experiment with this genre, in a little-known set of four sonatas which, according to a fascinating hypothesis, he might have composed for performance in tandem with his father during his tour of central Europe in 1729-30. The leader of Il Giardino Armonico, Stefano Barneschi, and Chiara Zanisi, who has already appeared on the Arcana tag (Bach's violin and harpsichord Sonatas with Giulia Nuti), take us on a journey through this relatively small literature, from Vivaldi to Berio by way of Leclair, Telemann, Tessarini and others. The programme is framed by a piece by the brilliant Italian cellist and composer Giovanni Sollima, written especially for this project. It's last movement, Alleluja, is a tribute both to the finale of Mozart's Exsultate, jubilate and to the church of Sant'Antonio Abate (Milan), where the premiere of Mozart's early piece took place and where this programme was recorded. Album Tracks 1. Wood (From Suite Case) Moderato 2. Sonata III in D Major, TWV 40 120 3. SZÓL a Duda [Bagpipes], SZ. 98 36 Allegro Molto 4. Duetto in G minor, Op. 15 No. 3 5. Carlo (From Duetti Per Due Violini) 6. Sonata in E minor, Op. 3 No. 5 7. B275 (From Suite Case) Allegro Assai 8. Duo VI in E minor, B. 518 9. Bela (From Duetti Per Due Violini) 10. Duetto in B-Flat Major, Hob. VI. Anh. 3 11. Forgatós [Învârtita Batrânilor] [Romanian Whirling Dance], SZ. 98 38 Allegro 12. Prima Suonata DÀ Camera À 2 Violini in F Major, RV 70 13. Alleluja (From Suite Case) Allegro

Isaac Stern's career as a solo artist, chamber musician, and much else was remarkable. These CDs, of his live performances is an eloquent testament to his musical insights, technical command and He was born in 1920, in Krzemieniec, now in Ukraine. A year later his parents came to San Francisco. Violin lessons began at eight, with Naoum Blinder. His Town Hall debut in 1937 was followed by a Carnegie Hall debut in 1943. He was the first American artist to tour the former Soviet Union. His campaign to save Carnegie Hall began in 1960. The Six-Day War of 1967 saw his iconic performance with Leonard Bernstein on Mount Scopus. His involvement with Hollywood, which began in 1948 in Humoresque, and in 1971, in Fiddler on the Roof. He recorded prolifically and received countless honors and tributes. Isaac Stern passed away at the age of 81. Born in 1948 in Tel Aviv, Pinchas Zukerman's earliest musical influence was his father. At 8 he began studies with Ilona Feher. When Stern and Casals heard the prodigy in 1961, they recommended he study in New York with Galamian. In 1967 he shared first prize at the Leventritt Competition, and debuted at Lincoln Center two years later. Since then, he has had a remarkable career as a solo violinist, violist, conductor, and chamber musician. From 1980 to 1987 he was the music director of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. In 1998 he became music director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. Zukerman has recorded over a hundred albums, earning 2 Grammy awards and 21 nominations. Among his honours is the Isaac Stern Award for Artistic Excellence in Classical Music. Album Tracks 1. Sonata for Two Violins in E minor Op.3 No.5 2. Duet for Two Violins in D Major Op.67 No.2 3. Duo for Violin & Viola No.1 in G Major K.423 4. Etude-Caprices for Two Violins Op.18 5. Sonata for Two Violins in C Major Op.56 6. Encores 7.

Album Tracks 1. Sonata in F minor, Op. 80 2. Sonata in D, Op. 94A 3. Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63