New Classical Tracks: Operatic transcriptions, from Wagner to Golijov
The true age of the violin virtuoso came into its own in the 19th century, after Nicolo Paganini introduced astonishing innovations in violin technique. His amazing feats of flexibility inspired other performers.
Many artists, then and now, composed variations on themes from popular operas of the day to showcase their talent. On her new recording, violinist Livia Sohn digs into this musical grab bag and pulls out some lesser-known opera fantasies for violin.
Sohn drew both from familiar operas and operas we rarely hear. A duo on themes from Wagner's "Lohengrin" opens with the popular wedding march.
Joachim Raff composed this set of variations. He would have seen Wagner's "Lohengrin" during its first staging in Weimar in 1850. Raff shows his hand right away, by immediately stating the familiar melody that's accompanied numerous brides down the aisle.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
But we soon discover, Raff was only bluffing. His best cards are yet to be played as one variation gently trumps another.
The delicate interplay between violinist Livia Sohn and pianist Benjamin Loeb turns this familiar march into a bridal lullaby. A lilting waltz precedes the dramatic conclusion.
Osvaldo Golijov is an award-winning Argentine composer, who came to the United States in 1986 to complete his doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. His opera, "Ainadamar," was staged at the Sante Fe Opera and Lincoln Center.
This opera tells the story of the great Spanish poet and playwright, Federico Garcia Lorca. Lorca was executed at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War in 1936, at a place the Moors called Ainadamar, or Fountain of Tears.
"From my Window" is the first solo aria that Lorca sings in the opera. In this arrangement by Stephen Prutsman, Livia Sohn plays that melancholy line. A second violin part, played by Sohn's husband, Geoff Nuttall, takes the voice of Lorca's friend. The two violins sing and breathe as one voice through this sorrowful song.
Stephen Prutsman's "Fantasy Extract on Themes from Der Rosenkavalier," is recorded for the first time on this new release. It's a condensed version of the opera by Richard Strauss.
The familiar melodies take a while to rise to the surface in this fantasy, but Livia Sohn's elegant phrasing and impeccable intonation kept me spellbound throughout this mini-opera.
Pianist Benjamin Loeb offers his own arrangement of a famous duet by Bizet on this recording. "The Temple Duet" from Bizet's opera, "The Pearl Fishers," is gorgeous. It's sung by two old friends who vow to forget the woman they both once loved.
Loeb's transcription closely matches the original vocal lines. Livia Sohn's violin sings the role of the tenor, while Geoff Nuttall substitutes viola for the baritone line. Close harmonies and passionate lyrical melodies make this duet soar with dramatic beauty.
"Opera Fantasies for Violin" is a delightful showcase for the talents of Livia Sohn, Benjamin Loeb and Geoff Nuttall. This new recording also offers a fresh approach to some well-known operatic standards, and it serves as an introduction to a few new ones.
("Opera Fantasies for Violin." Livia Sohn -- violin; Benjamin Loeb -- piano; Geoff Nuttall -- violin/viola) (Naxos 570202)
