at the end of the day it doesn't really matter who is better between primrose and vardi. Both of them sound fantastic doing extremely challenging pieces.
I asked Manny this question this morning. "Putting numbers on the difficulty of a piece of music doesn't make sense. The caprices are some of the hardest things to play on any string instrument, especially viola. I guess if you have to use numbers...10. Difficulty also matters how you're preparing the piece. If it's being prepared as an etude, technically it's hard. If it's being prepared as a concert piece, then technically and musically it's harder."
This piece is a solid 7. I would say that Paganini music hovers between 7 and 8. The Fourth violin concerto being a solid 8. All of the 9's and 10's belong to Ernst's music.
It is simply too fast. Don't forget that Primrose had the sort of violinist pedigree that had him performing the Mendelssohn concerto at 12. He only reckoned there were 5 or so caprices playable on viola - listening to certain renditions he's probably right.
I would just like to remind you to listen to the other recording before you comment. Primrose's version is the same speed, if not faster. If you know anything about Vardi, he was already a famous violinist by the time he was 18, entering Juilliard when he was 12. Please show some respect if you're going to comment.
I didn't mean the ACTUAL speed, I meant too fast for Vardi - there are too many notes that don't ring properly or are fluffed over so he should slow it down till the musical demands of the piece are met. If WP chooses to edit the piece to achieve the musical demands, that's IMO a more worthy approach to the music.
Vardi is certainly an amazing technician. He used to give masterclasses every year at my college in the 80s. But I've never been so enamoured of his interpretations.
Not to discredit Primrose,but he arranged the 5th caprice so it was easier for him to play, while Vardi plays Paganini's unedited caprice. Also, Primrose never recorded the complete set of caprices, let alone any other caprice than the 24th, which was still arranged by him.
I understand and I still think this is great for a violist. I also appreciate Vardi's transcription of the Chaconne much more than I could appreciate any of the caprices. Primrose just plays Paganini with more accuracy and flare. Although Vardi's caprice 24 was awesome.
This recording of a Paganini Caprice dazzles the listening with it technical and mu-
sical fireworks. I really enjoy it. Bravo!
AnnHeaney1 10 months ago
Would have preferred one with a violin, but this was greatly done.
TheBadShaman 10 months ago
at the end of the day it doesn't really matter who is better between primrose and vardi. Both of them sound fantastic doing extremely challenging pieces.
Violacomfy 11 months ago
The first person in history to record all 24 on the viola. The standard. Vardi=monster
AlastairBrownViolist 2 years ago
You all should shut up and just listen and enjoy!
dragunbass 2 years ago
If ten were the highest and 1 was the lowest, How hard would you say this piece is?
gsbreath2 2 years ago
I asked Manny this question this morning. "Putting numbers on the difficulty of a piece of music doesn't make sense. The caprices are some of the hardest things to play on any string instrument, especially viola. I guess if you have to use numbers...10. Difficulty also matters how you're preparing the piece. If it's being prepared as an etude, technically it's hard. If it's being prepared as a concert piece, then technically and musically it's harder."
So I suppose it's a 10.
Violamasta 2 years ago
Would you say all of it is a ten? Certain parts a majority? For example, contrast the intro arpeggios to the agitato section
gsbreath2 2 years ago
What's the highest note he's played on the viola? Kind of curious.
fossils12 2 years ago
@fossils12 The highest note he played in this piece was a D7. I don't know the highest note Vardi has /ever/ played though, if that's what you mean
alternativeviola 1 year ago
This piece is a solid 7. I would say that Paganini music hovers between 7 and 8. The Fourth violin concerto being a solid 8. All of the 9's and 10's belong to Ernst's music.
violatione 2 years ago
It is simply too fast. Don't forget that Primrose had the sort of violinist pedigree that had him performing the Mendelssohn concerto at 12. He only reckoned there were 5 or so caprices playable on viola - listening to certain renditions he's probably right.
jaschenski 3 years ago
I would just like to remind you to listen to the other recording before you comment. Primrose's version is the same speed, if not faster. If you know anything about Vardi, he was already a famous violinist by the time he was 18, entering Juilliard when he was 12. Please show some respect if you're going to comment.
Violamasta 3 years ago 2
I didn't mean the ACTUAL speed, I meant too fast for Vardi - there are too many notes that don't ring properly or are fluffed over so he should slow it down till the musical demands of the piece are met. If WP chooses to edit the piece to achieve the musical demands, that's IMO a more worthy approach to the music.
Vardi is certainly an amazing technician. He used to give masterclasses every year at my college in the 80s. But I've never been so enamoured of his interpretations.
jaschenski 3 years ago
Well one thing i for sure, William Primrose was much better at playing Paganini.
AbsoluteZ3R0 3 years ago
Not to discredit Primrose,but he arranged the 5th caprice so it was easier for him to play, while Vardi plays Paganini's unedited caprice. Also, Primrose never recorded the complete set of caprices, let alone any other caprice than the 24th, which was still arranged by him.
Violamasta 3 years ago
I understand and I still think this is great for a violist. I also appreciate Vardi's transcription of the Chaconne much more than I could appreciate any of the caprices. Primrose just plays Paganini with more accuracy and flare. Although Vardi's caprice 24 was awesome.
AbsoluteZ3R0 3 years ago