SKU: AP.36-M139591

ISBN 9798888529737. UPC: 659359734151. English.

Niccolò Paganini's (1782-1840) wrote two installments (Op. 2 and Op. 3) of six sonatas each for violin and guitar between 1805 and 1809 while he lived in Florence with a guitar-playing noblewoman. Paganini kept both his love for the guitar and the noblewoman secret, and these twelve sonatas were written for more intimate settings rather than the larger public performances we often associate with Paganini's virtuosity. Reprint of guitarist Erwin Schwarz-Reiflingen's (1891-1964) edition. Both Op. 2 and Op. 3 are available from the publisher.

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SKU: PR.ZM19332

SKU: HL.14028042

ISBN 9788759810668.

Ruders writes: There's a solid tradition in the history of Western music of turning the theme of Nicolo Paganini's 24th Caprice for soloviolin into a set of variations endemic to the time and style of each individual composer; Liszt, Brahms, Rachmaninov and Lutoslawsky being the most prominent names. When asked by David Starobin to write a concerto for him, I though well, why not have a go at it? - bearing in mind, that not only is Paganini the most celebrated violin-wizard of all times, but he was also a more than accomplished guitarist. There are 22 variations in all, numbers 1 to 16 all adhering strictly to the 16-bar pattern, laid down by Paganini himself. From variation 17 though, the writing becomes more symphonic and the rigid 16-bar regime is being lossendes up a bit. However, the last variation 'Finale Prestisimo' is a 6 x 16 bars white-knuckle ride, in which the hitherto soloistic role of the guitar gives way to that of 'primus interpares', i.e. 'first among equals'. As with another set of variations of mine 'Concerto on Pieces' (based on a tune by Purcell), the nature and shape of the 'Pagannini-Variations' may be compared to a stroll through a hall of mirrors: the portrait - the theme is gradually being distorted out of all recognition - but it's still the same original walking by.