When considering the first set of compositions designed to truly extend and test the technical limits of the violin, most would first consider the 24 Caprices of Paganini. However, more than a century before Paganini was even thought of, Italian composer Pietro Locatelli was pushing the violin to its limits with his four concertos of Opus 3, subtitled the "Art of the Violin." These works were innovative in nearly every way conceivable. Even the form of the concertos was atypical; Locatelli abandoned the traditional three ...
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When considering the first set of compositions designed to truly extend and test the technical limits of the violin, most would first consider the 24 Caprices of Paganini. However, more than a century before Paganini was even thought of, Italian composer Pietro Locatelli was pushing the violin to its limits with his four concertos of Opus 3, subtitled the "Art of the Violin." These works were innovative in nearly every way conceivable. Even the form of the concertos was atypical; Locatelli abandoned the traditional three-movement format and included two caprices. From a technical standpoint, the concertos stretch the range of the violin to its limit and demand bow techniques and finger dexterity simply unheard of. Of course, all of these challenges mean nothing if the works are not given musically fulfilling performances. Giuliano Carmignola provides listeners with flawless technical mastery, unblemished intonation, astonishing amounts of energy, and musically informed performances throughout this CD....
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