Paganini

[ray]

Folks,
        is there a definitive recording of Paganini's 24 caprices?
        Anyone recommend a particular player ?
               Thanks   

[SonicMan46]

Folks,
        is there a definitive recording of Paganini's 24 caprices?
        Anyone recommend a particular player ?     Thanks

Hi Ray - welcome to the GMG forum - hope that you stay and enjoy - great group of members here!

Interesting question - my immediate answer would be NO because it really depends on your expectations from these recordings?

I've been collecting & culling these for years - I think my problem is that these compositions are not that enjoyable for ME?

My 3 current ones are: Accardo, Rabin, & Becker-Bender; I've deposed of 3 others - I find these difficult works to appreciate and will look forward to others' opinions - plus, I rarely listen to these recordings; maybe these are not just for my tastes, but such is classical music, which makes it even more rewarding! 

[BobsterLobster]

It's quite personal... I don't think you'll find that everyone agrees about the definitive version.
For me though, it's this one:

[asin]B0000026QE[/asin]

as it's the only one IMO that is note perfect and in tune all the way through!

But if you want a more Romantic, charismatic performance, you can't go wrong with the Caprices from this box set:

[asin]B000002S35[/asin]

It sounds like it's been recorded in a cardboard box, but terrific flashy playing.


Or if you want something a little different, this is very enjoyable:

[asin]B000000FR4[/asin]

[kishnevi]

I have Zehetmair, Perlman, and (Julia) Fischer.  I'd be hard picked to say which one I enjoy the most. The answer would probably vary from day to day, and depend on the weather and what I had for lunch....

[BobsterLobster]

I have Zehetmair, Perlman, and (Julia) Fischer.  I'd be hard picked to say which one I enjoy the most. The answer would probably vary from day to day, and depend on the weather and what I had for lunch....

I have heard the Perlman and Fischer versions, and they're not for me personally. I will check out Zehetmair's version if I can!

[BobsterLobster]

I have Zehetmair, Perlman, and (Julia) Fischer.  I'd be hard picked to say which one I enjoy the most. The answer would probably vary from day to day, and depend on the weather and what I had for lunch....

I see Zehetmair has recorded the Caprices twice... which version is it that you have?

[kishnevi]

I see Zehetmair has recorded the Caprices twice... which version is it that you have?

This one


I'd forgotten that this was his second recording.
However, I'm not at all familiar with the Midori or Rubin recordings, and given your reactions to the Perlman and Fischer, I'm not sure which of Zehetmair's you would prefer (or even if you would like either one), so do the samples and YouTube clip route first.

[Lisztianwagner]

My 3 current ones are: Accardo, Rabin, & Becker-Bender

Agreed; I think Accardo's version of the Caprices is very beautiful and well-played, it's certainly worth listening.

[val]

I still prefer Michael Rabin. But Itzakh Perlman is also very good and with a splendid sound.

[ray]

Thanks for the responses,a lot of names to check out.