Bravo! Virtuoso Encores For Violin

I would agree with most of the editorial review by Edith Eisler. However, I think she implies some subtle criticisms that border on the snide and that I disagree with. She talks about the shallowness of the repertoire on this recording. I think there is an art to playing flashy pieces that are normally reserved for encores in a way that gives them substance. Of course, there is nothing wrong with just enjoying them for what they are. Regardless, I find Znaider's playing of them to be near perfection. It goes without saying that his technique is as close to flawless as it can be. His tone gorgeous and his interpretation is superb.

It doesn't hurt that he is playing on one of the greatest violins still around from the golden age of the Cremona violin makers. On this recording he plays on the famous Kreisler Guarnerius Del Gesu violin made in 1747.

So what's not to love on this recording? In my opinion, nothing!

The young violinist Nikolaj Znaider is undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed virtuosos on the contemporary concert platform. Winner in 1997 of the prestigious competition "Queen Elisabeth" in Brussels, Znaider established himself as a much sought-after soloist (and recently, also conductor!) before public today. He amazes with his technical ease and astounding virtuosity paired by a volcanic temperament. Soulful, impassionate and with a keen sense of conveying the deepest nuances with bravura and good taste, he is suitably served by a Guarneri del Gesu 1741, previously played by the legendary Fritz Kreisler.

Audiences and critics alike find him as a wizard of the violin, a genuine musician of the XXIst century, modern yet deep rooted in tradition. Therefore they crowd the halls where he performs and buy his recordings, regardless the repertory offered. His gifts entitled him to tackle the most demanding works for his instrument and brought to him flattering engagements with the foremost orchestras and conductors in the world. I heard him in Bucharest last year playing Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in a concert of the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra during the "George Enescu" Festival. I must confess that his performance was breathtaking indeed, as his recordings prove it too.

Now, regarding the program on this CD: why should one despise such flashy miniatures? Simply, because they are sniffed enthusiastically by a large audience! For their sparkling effect? For they address mainly the soul and less the mind? I think we should ignore those loathing this repertory and enjoy the phenomenal mastery with which Znaider fondly makes it seductively alive for us.

Five stars - no hesitation!

this man is really remarkable. his intonation is perfect and his technique is dazzling. i was unfamiliar with him and it has been very exciting to hear him. the encores are, of course encore material. but they are impressive. his concertos are super.