These generously filled CDs present sparkling performaces of Hubays epic Sc?nes de la csárda alongside his two sets of Poemes hongrois and provide their first complete recording.
The Scenes are in the tradition of Liszts Hungarian Rhapsodies, Brahmss Hungarian Dances and Sarates Zigeunerweisen, and reflect the nineteenth centurys fondness for romanticized gypsy music as a worthy source of entertainment in middle-class salons and at aristocratic balls. Written over a period of some forty years, these fourteen perfectly crafted showpieces are dedicated individually to many of the periods most influential figures, several famous violin virtuosi among them. Passionate melodies and furious violinistic pyrotechnics combine to make this set into a classic of the genre.
Hubays two sets of Po?mes hongrois, written in 1885 and 1899 respectively, take further folk-like melodies and transform them into highly elaborate miniatures every bit as worthy of exploration as their more glamorous cousins, the Sc?nes.
A comprehensive booklet includes music examples illustrating each of the innumerable melodies used by Hubay.
TOP RECOMMENDATION (CHAMBER) (BBC Music Magazine)
'If ever there were a case of 'the singer, not the song' it's here with these Sc?nes de la Csârda, attractive music played with the sort of heart-tugging abandon that many of us only know from old 78s. A happy tale from start to finish, kitsch of the highest order served with style and panache by Shaham and his excellent pianist Arnon Erez. With comprehensive annotation by Amnon Shaham and first rate production by Eric Wen (a fine violinist and teacher) this seems set to become a benchmark recording' (Gramophone)
'It's music that needs passionate advocacy if it's not to sound trite, and Hagai Shaham, who's already made an outstanding disc of two of Hubay's Violin Concertos, has it in his soul' (BBC Music Magazine)
Review at ClassicalSource.com
'Scenes de la Csârda could certainly be one of the records of the year' (classicalsource.com)
'Voici sans doute le plus bel hommage rendu au p?re fondateur de l'école hongroise de violon... Un répertoire rare, servi de magistrale façon.' (Diapason)