Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20 (Gypsy Airs/Aires Gitanos) by Pablo de Sarasate

OK, boys and girls, back to the classics: This 19th century Spanish virtuoso is widely considered to be one of the greatest violinists ever - "impeccable technique and tone of unsurpassed sweetness and purity". As a composer he published at least 54 works. He originally composed his magnum opus in 1878 for violin and piano but subsequently orchestrated it, which is as we know it today. Inspired by the csardas of the Roma people (Romani or Gypsies). A staple on virtuosi repertoires, the composer himself recorded it in 1904. Its one movement is divided into 4 sections. Memorable interpretations by Elman, Francescatti, Heifetz, Stern and Perlman. Artist? Work?

Answer: "Zigeunerweisen" (Aires Gitanos or Gypsy Airs) by Pablo de Sarasate.  My father had the privilege of seeing Heifetz perform "Zigeunerweisen" at the U. of Puerto Rico Theater as a student - he was hooked after that! I have seen Stern and Perlman perform it - memorable! Wonderful memories of seeing Isaac Stern walking around the grounds at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan during El Festival Casals?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABm7nMVyNh4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xir-5oAWxXE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk2kfD5ZKls

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