Maria Duenas Paganini: 24 Caprices 2LP & CD

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Following her acclaimed DG debut album Beethoven and Beyond, the Spanish violinist María Dueñas has chosen to play Nicolò Paganini's iconic 24 Caprices for her second album. The cycle known for its breathtaking finesse and virtuosity is also characterized by its musical variety and depth. The album is complemented by a mixture of solo, chamber and orchestral caprices inspired by Paganini. These include selected pieces by Berlioz, Kreisler, Saint-Saëns, Sarasate, Wieniawski as well as two works written specially for Dueñas by contemporary composers Jordi Cervelló and Gabriela Ortiz, the latter in a world premiere recording.

"Paganini's 24 Caprices are a milestone for every violinist," explains Dueñas, when asked about her choice of repertoire. "I grew up listening to and performing them, and when we hear the word 'caprice' we instantly think of Paganini, but there are so many other caprices, from Saint-Saëns's Rondo capriccioso to works by contemporary composers like Cervelló, for example. I really wanted to show how a lot of little moments from the musical world all come together."

Dueñas is accompanied by violinist Boris Kuschnir, pianists Itamar Golan and Alexander Malofeev and guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre. For the orchestral works by Berlioz and Saint-Saëns, she is supported by Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin under conductor Mihhail Gerts.