Chopin

This is a most interesting disc, bringing together a number of arrangements for violin and piano of truly exquisite music by Chopin, by some of the greatest 19th and early 20th century concert virtuosi. Most of these arrangements are no masterpieces (as arrangements, I mean) in that they simply transfer melodic material to the violin, leaving the piano to intone any ‘remaining’ harmonic matter or accompaniment material, or else - occasionally - to engage in whatever melodic dialogue the soloist is unable to accommodate. So these aren’t the kind of transcriptions you’d expect of a true composer. The violin is very much the centre of attention, almost to the point of requiring the composer to take a back seat. Indeed, the act of transposing the originals (whether by an all-important semitone, or by as much as a third) to suit the ‘new’ instrument is bound to alter the tonal character of the music fundamentally.
Ms Madroszkiewicz is a very capable player, who is well able to deliver the most demanding of multiple stops, counterpoint, high tessitura and dazzling passage work. In places, her portamento is hugely intrusive - perhaps not untypical of Sarasate or Huberman in their day.
There is some very beautiful music here: indeed, number after number is a pearl of great price! And music such as this is indestructible, and well able to survive this kind of alternative scrutiny. Violinists will be (should be) fascinated! Devotees of the composers will be (should be) wary!

Musicians:
Joanna Madroszkiewicz - violin
Paul Gulda - piano