Antonio Bazzini was an 19th-century Italian violinist, composer and teacher. As a composer his most enduring work is his chamber music which earned him a central place in the Italian instrumental renaissance of the 19th century. However his success as a composer was outstretched by his reputation as one of the finest concert violinists of that century.
On this recording from the Naxos label, 22 year-old British violinist Chloë Hanslip and pianist Caspar Frantz perform Bazzini's works for violin and piano
Bazzini met the great Paganini and was completely influenced by that master's art and style. Paganini encouraged Bazzini to begin his concert career that year and he quickly became one of the most highly regarded artists of his time. Of the works included on this recording, perhaps the most widely known is his Op. 25 Scherzo Fantastique. Titled "La Ronde de lutins" or "The Dance of the Goblins" this composition remains a permanent part of the violin repertoire for its highly virtuosic use of techniques like the doublestop, harmonics and pizzicato.
Our quick pick this week is a world premiere recording of Dmitri Shostakovich's complete score to the 1929-1931 silent film, Odna or "Alone." The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra is directed by Mark Fitz-Gerald.