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6PD10 The Art of Campoli Volume III
Alfredo Campoli plays
- Bliss Violin Concerto [Listen]
- Bliss Theme and Cadenza for Violin and Orchestra [Listen]
London Symphony Orchestra conductor Sir Arthur Bliss
- Paganini/Kreisler Concerto in D major in one movement [Listen]
National Symphony Orchestra Orchestra conductor Victor Olof
- Hummel Rondo in E flat [Listen]
- Debussy La fille aux cheveux de lin [Listen]
- Bazzini La ronde des lutins [Listen]
- Hubay Zephyr Op.30 No.5 [Listen]
with Eric Gritton, piano
The Bliss items, though from late 1955, are in mono; Decca had been recording in stereo for well over a year, so the stereo equipment may well have been in Geneva or Paris. The recordings are very well balanced mono though, and have been remastered to sound their best so that "you will hear the original balance without any phase problems or side effects." The sound seems to me equally good whether through one or two speakers.Peter Joleson at Audiophile Audition |
This label has proved remarkably loyal to the eminent violinist, recycling in the interests of furthering volumes in their Art of Campoli line, one I happily endorse. Bliss wrote the Concerto for Campoli. There's an amusing illustration of the working practices the two developed in David Tunley's Ashgate biography of the violinist. Spotting a 'bad' passage Campoli would scowl and exaggerate the difficulties, whilst suggesting alternatives, smiling beatifically at the result of his handiwork and cooing 'beautiful' at Bliss. This cat and mouse game, in which the poker playing South Londoner was by no means outsmarted by the composer, extended to the finale's bridge passage between cadenza and conclusion. Campoli wanted to plough on from the cadenza, whilst Bliss wanted his mysterious gauzy orchestral half lights preserved. Bliss did actually admit afterwards that he wasn't entirely sure as to which he preferred, so that at least was a tribute to Campoli's persistence and suggestive skill.
It's a perfect vehicle in any case for Campoli's own special brand of bel canto lyricism and virtuosity. One of the most magical moments comes in the gorgeous passage for violin over a harp and pizzicato string accompaniment in the first movement - something Campoli and the composer-conductor negotiate with wonderful warmth. It's one moment among many. Campoli's powerful spicatti are flourished in the central movement, playing which is warmly avuncular, and come the finale and we find him retaining tonal body even in the more strenuous passages of the Andante sostenuto pages. The Zingaro writing fits him perfectly; verve and buoyancy drama abound. Jonathan Woolf at Music Web International |
"Campoli amazes us as, one by one, he exhibits different facets of his technical mastery. The impression given by this disc is of Campoli as a complete violinist." Graham Silcock Classical Record Collector Spring 2010
or phone Priory Records 01525 377566
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