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Siberian Virtuosi
(Virtuosi introduce the Classics)
Program & program notes
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750) – Toccata & Fugue in d-minor
For example, when the Ensemble performs the Toccata and Fugue in d-minor by Bach, which was originally written
for organ, the audience can almost hear the true organ sound.
Peter I. Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893) – Scherzo
The Scherzo by Tchaikovsky, originally written for violin and piano, was arranged for the Siberian Virtuosi to
illustrate the beauty of polyphonic sound.
Pablo de Sarasate (1844 – 1908) – Navarra
Navarra by Pablo de Sarasate is one of the favorites of the Ensemble. Their performance of this piece sparkles with
orchestral colors.
Grigoras Ionica Dinicu (1889-1949) – Hora Staccato
Dinicu was mostly famous for his violin and piano repertoire, especially for Hora Staccato. Although, Hora Staccato
was later arranged for other combination of instruments. It was rumored that Jascha Heifetz once said that Dinicu
was the greatest violinist he had ever heard.
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873 – 1943) – Vocalise
In the Vocalise by Sergei Rachmaninoff, polyphonically written theme reaches the highs of penetration.
Henryk Wieniawski (1835 – 1880) – Scherzo & Tarantella
The same effect of unison playing was used in the arrangement of the Scherzo Tarantella by Henryk Wieniawski.
The whole Ensemble performs this piece together. Their phrasing, interpretation, and ability to breath together
between phrases appears to be very impressive to an audience.
Manuel de Falla (1876 – 1946) – Spanish Dance #1
Young spirit of the Ensemble, their artistry, and virtuosity are heard from the beginning to the end in the Spanish
Dance of Manuel de Falla.
Aleksey Shor (1970 - ) – Chicken Tarantella
“Chicken Tarantella” is a part of a “Well-Tempered Chanson” cycle. This cycle consists of short pieces in all minor
keys that are inspired by famous Russian folk songs, and are presented in various styles very different from the
originals. In some cases, the originals are easily recognizable, and in other cases, not so much. In “Chicken
Tarantella”, the main theme is quite popular around the world.
Johann Strauss, Jr. (1825 – 1899) – Die Fledermaus
Set om Vienna on New Year’s Eve at the turn of the 20 th century, Die Fledermaus focuses on a costume ball
attended by a host of characters engaged in all manner of poor behavior. Caught in a web of lies and infidelity, their
identity-obfuscating outfits provide for a circus of unbelievable meetings and circumstances that follow them from
the ballroom to the jail cell. Here is an overture to this famous masterpiece.
Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897) – Hungarian Dance #1
The Hungarian Dances are a set of 21 lively dance tunes based mostly on Hungarian themes. They vary from about a
minute to four minutes in length. They are among the composer’s most popular works. We bring you our version
and interpretation of one of his most famous dances.
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Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741) – Summer from the “Four Seasons”
Everyone is a soloist in the Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”, the piece that was written for violin solo and chamber
orchestra.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791) – Rondo
Beautifully arranged by Fritz Kreisler, the Rondo for Violin & Piano has become a program favorite for many world
famous violinists.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750) – Air on the G String
This piece is an adaptation by violinist August Wilhelmj of Air, the 2 nd movement from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No.
3 in D major. By transposing the key of its original D major to C major and down an octave, Wilhelmj was able to
play the piece on only one string of his violin, the G string. We love it for its heart and soul.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809 – 1847) – Scherzo
The original score of the Scherzo by Felix Mendelssohn, as material develops, overflows with watercolors.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) – Magic Melodies from Tchaikovsky Ballets
This special arrangement features some of the most famous excerpts from Tchaikovsky Ballets that we all love.
There is nothing like getting into the holiday spirit on the early side!
Antonio Bazzini (1818 – 1897) – Rondo of Goblins
Antonio Bazzini was an Italian violinist, composer and teacher. As a composer his most enduring work is his
chamber music which has earned him a central place in the Italian instrumental renaissance of the 19 th century.
However, his success as a composer was overshadowed by his reputation as one of the finest concert violinists of his
time. The “Rondo” for violin showcases a great virtuosity that Bazzini possessed.
Jean Sibelius (1865 – 1957) – Valse Triste (Sad Waltz), Op. 44
This is a short orchestral work by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It was originally part of the incidental music
he composed for his brother-in-law, but is far better known as a separate concert piece.
Astor Piazzola (1921 – 1992) – Libertango
The name of Astor Piazzolla is recognized all over the world. His “new” style of tango incorporated elements from
jazz and classical music. We offer you our version of “Libertango” arranged specifically for the Siberian Virtuosi.
Valeri Ermoshkin – Walk along the Hollywood
“Walk along the Hollywood” is a small bouquet of worldwide famous melodies from the Hollywood movies.
Aram Khachaturian (1903 – 1978) – The Sabre Dance
The Sabre Dance is a movement in the final act of the ballet Gayane, written by Armenian composer, Khachaturian.
Due to its exceptionally exciting rhythm, the “Sabre Dance” established a place for itself in common concert
practice, leading also to various adaptations in popular music. We feel that it makes a great Finale to our colorful
program that we called “Virtuosi introduce the Classics”.
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*** program is subject to change ***
Program notes are written by Stanislav Afanasenko, Director of the Siberian Virtuosi