Hello Mr. Paganini: Violin Works

Hybrid/SACD - playable on all compact disc players

"Ning Feng is the winner of, among other things, the 2006 Paganini International Violin Competition in Italy. He studied with Hu Kun at the Royal Academy of Music, and was recommended in a master class by Yehudi Menuhin. The music on this disc, some of the most difficult ever written for violin, is not played easily, and even less played with conviction. Feng does both, and with a sort of insouciant arrogance that speaks not only of ability but of empathy with the composer as well. According to the notes, he wishes us to "sing along" and not simply be amazed by the wizardry that Paganini infused into this music, devilish or not. And for the most part he makes his case. While I could have done without a couple of the Italian aria variations, I cannot fault personal choice; and I remain convinced that only a violinist who actually loves this music-aside from just being intimidated by it or finding it challenging-could put across the melodic emphasis with such grace and airiness without focusing so much on the difficulties of the formal technique involved.

So, if you like Paganini, you will be mightily pleased with this. If not, I am sure at least some of this recital will win you over. And at the very least, it serves as a fine welcome to a highly talented newcomer playing on an instrument made in 2005, if you can believe it!"
(AudAud.com)

"Performed with this degree of finesse, Paganini's music takes on a surreal quality… it's an enthralling, exciting recital." Gramophone

Anyone playing the violin cannot get around the music of Paganini. Paganini is usually associated with the impossible and yet possible violin technique he invented, so much so that - because of their degree of complexity - a large part of his compositions is used for technical practice purposes. But meanwhile, the musical artistry in his works has often been overlooked or ignored.

Undoubtedly, most of Paganini's works are technically incredibly challenging, and his historical 24 Caprices are often used as the ultimate technical étude. Besides the 24 Caprices, Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento and God Save the King, the two theme pieces with variations for solo violin, are probably even more iconic in that all technical aspects of violin playing are demonstrated. Using the left hand pizzicato to accompany the theme, which is played at the same time using the bow, as well as the double harmonics, did not even appear in his 24 Caprices. But underneath all those dazzling skills, we should not forget about the music itself. I can hardly think of a Paganini piece without a beautiful and enjoyable Italian operatic aria. So, why not sing along? Therefore , I hope when listening to Paganini's music on this recording, we can all appreciate not only the diabolic finger fireworks on the outside, but also the angel-like lyrical melodies on the inside.