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A TRIBUTE TO FRITZ KREISLER
Fritz kreisler ranks with Niccolò Paganini as one of the
greatest violinists the world has ever known. Like Paganini, He
composed prolifically for his instrument, but while the Italian
enjoyed developing a melody in variations that were brilliant
and fiendishly difficult, Kreisker avoided virtuosity for it own
sake. His "transcriptions" and his original compositions express
the charm and genius of a remarkable musical personality.
Infinite rewards may be derived from exploring the great
beauties of Kreisler's music.
To each of his compositions, Kreisler brought a
combination of unique sensitivity and a fresh, Personal approach
to violin playing. While Kreisler's interpretations of Bach,
Beethoven, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Brahms will stand
forever supreme, the greatness he gave to short musical works
was always a revelation. His bowing had an endless variety of
nuances, in the softest melodies as in passages of explosive
force; no noise came from the contact of bow with strings save
that of a tone of miraculous purity and carrying power. Beauty
of phrasing and rhythmic intensity were present in all tempi.
Kreisler's left hand produced the most beautiful vibrato I have
ever heard, making it possible for him to achieve all the colors
he desired. In melodic passages, shifts of the hand were
accomplished
with the utmost artistry and delicacy. double stop and trills
were played with such clarity that Kreisler used them freely as
sonorous accompaniment for thematic material. But, above all,
Kreisker played with simplicity and compelling sincerity.
As a man, Kreisler combined the qualities of a scholar
and poet. His private library was one of the finest in the
world. He was intimately familiar with the writings of poets and
philosophers of the East and the West. He could read in many
languages, ancient and modern. And, unlike most of his fellow
musicians, He was passionately interested in science. Yet
Kreisler was a simple man, generous and cheerful; he had the
rare gift of being happy and making other people happy; and his
charm was extraordinary, the Viennese charm of his berth, ever
present in his playing and in his compositions, a charm that
held millions of people around the world in its spell.
Such was the great Kreisler. Be it a dance, a cadenza ,
a meditation, or a prayer, we shall always be inspired by his
musical legacy.
Henryk Szeryng
* Liner note of Mercury 434
351-2
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