Ep. 1 Violinist - Maxim Vengerov
Maxim Vengerov is widely recognised as one of the world's most brilliant violinists.
Since he started playing the violin at the age of four, he has evolved from an incredibly talented child prodigy into an assured virtuoso. After his first recital in his hometown of Novosibirsk (Russia) at the age of five, he studied with Galina Tourchaninova and then with Professor Zakhar Bron. He performs throughout the world as a soloist with the most prestigious orchestras, and also enjoys international acclaim as a conductor.
In 1997, he became the first classical musician to be appointed Envoy for Music by the United Nations' Children's Fund (UNICEF), about which he said "I understood what miracles you can bring back to children with music, this is a universal language that everyone understands. It goes from heart to heart."
Tireless in his search for new means of creative expression, Maxim Vengerov has let himself be inspired by many different styles of music, including baroque, jazz and rock.
As one of Maxim Vengerov’s greatest passions is the teaching and encouraging of young talent, he has held various teaching positions around the world.
Maxim Vengerov plays the "ex-Kreutzer" Stradivarius violin.
Maxim Vengerov has had a significant influence over me as a violinist. I have spent countless hours listening to his recordings (I have purchased CDs of every one!). I have been fortunate to have seen him perform twice in Australia (for the first concert I even checked myself out of hospital after giving birth to see him perform!).
I have been so inspired by his musicality. I love how every note tells a story, and how expressive and passionate his playing is. I have enjoyed watching his masterclasses where he has shared his process of stories and characterisation. This has had great influence on how I interpret the music I’m playing.
It was very difficult for me to limit which performances I would share. In fact, I didn’t limit it much at all haha! However, I have chosen the following for our listening club:
- Eugene Ysaye - Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Ballade Op. 27
(I would watch this at university while I studied. So much so that when I walked into the library the staff knew I would hire this DVD out).
- Vittorio Monti - Czardas
(Check out this incredible double bass player too!)
- Antonin Mazzini - La Ronde des Lutins, Op. 25 (Dance of the Goblins)
- Camille Saint-Saens - Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28
- Jean Sibelius - Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35
- Fritz Kreisler - Tambourin Chinois (Masterclass)
I would love to hear from you which are your favourite performances are by Maxim Vengerov.