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Genre: Classical

Hermann: Three Capriccios; Grand Duo Brillant; Suite in D Minor; Burlesque in G. EICHHORN: Duo and Variations; Variations Brillantes. Friedemann Eichhorn, violin, Alexia Eichhorn, violin and viola, Reto Kuppel, violin, Alexander Hulshoff, cello – Naxos 8.572066.

Another instalment in the 19th- century Violinist Composers Series from Naxos, this CD is dedicated to two German composers from the romantic era whose names have remained obscure, but who in their heyday were both held in high esteem as virtuosi of the violin.

Friedrich Hermann (1828-1907) entered the Leipzig Conservatory in November, 1843, and studied with such eminent composers as Gade, Mendelssohn and David. After leaving the conservatory he became first violist of the Leipzig Orchestra and also played in other orchestras.

In 1847 he was appointed professor at the same conservatory.

The CD includes six works that display Hermann’s natural ability to write technically-demanding pieces that impressed no less a name than Paganini, but despite their appeal and virtuosic romanticism, they are rarely performed.

Johann Paul Eichhorn (1787-1861) was the son of a linen-weaver, and up to his 20th year his work was similar to his father’s, although in his spare time he taught himself the violin so that he could play dance music with village musicians. Strangely, throughout his career he was often called upon to play woodwind and brass instruments, and he was little known as a composer of violin music.

Eichhorn married twice in the space of two years. The composer’s children all became competent musicians, and the two pieces on this disc were written at the beginning of the 1830s for Ernst and Edward, who performed them to great acclaim from both public and critics.

Despite Eichhorn’s lack of fame as a violinist, he was able to impress none other than Paganini.

The two works on this issue, which are world-premiere recordings, attest to the composer’s skilful fluency and charm, and both sets of variations make compelling listening. Performances and recording are of a consistently high level, and with a generous playing time thrown in for good measure, the CD represents amazing value, particularly for violin students.

This CD was made available for review by D’Amato Record Shop of 98/99 St John Street, Valletta.