Author: Kreisler, Fritz

Format: Import

Release Date: 15-10-2001

Details: Amazon.ca Kennedy, the violinist formerly known as Nigel, pays tribute to Kreisler, the fiddler also known as Fritz, on this disc. Of the ten pieces, six are arrangements, two are original compositions and two are hoaxes. The last track, Praeludium and Allegro, was published in 1905 as the work of Pugnani but 30 years later Kreisler admitted it was by himself. The critics were furious. The Liebesleid, now perhaps Kreisler's best-known work, was originally touted as one of three anonymous "Old Viennese Dances". The treasure of this disc is the recording of Kreisler's rarely performed String Quartet in A minor of 1919. It lasts half an hour and sounds like Ravel. Kennedy is joined by Rosemary Furniss, Bill Hawkes and Caroline Dale in a pulsating account. In 1935, it was recorded by a quartet including Kreisler himself and Kennedy's cellist grandfather Lauri Kennedy. Kennedy plays with a forthright bow, dry, weeping tone, judicious vibrato and bold sense of phrase. Nothing is as sad as Kreisler's arrangement of Cyril Scott's Lotus Land nor as lyrical as the Londonderry Air. Also included here is violinist Katharine Gowers performing Herberger's Midnight Bells, where her tone is warmer and her touch softer than Kennedy's. The pianist John Lenehan unobtrusively accompanies everything applicable. -- Rick Jones

UPC: 724355662620

EAN: 0724355662620

Languages: english

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood