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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Useful LinksARTICLES - Ferruccio Busoni Violin Concerto![]() MUSICAL OPINION QUARTERLY (July - September 2016) 'On Performing Busoni’s Violin Concerto' By Efi Christodoulou The distinguished violinist outlines the background and circumstances which led to her discovery and series of public performances of Busoni’s Violin Concerto. ANNOUNCEMENTS - MUSICAL OPINION![]() The soloist was Efi Christodoulou who clearly believes in this work and needs to as she is kept busy with demands for intricate, finger tripping virtuosity throughout. Her playing was rock solid secure and by the end of the finale, Allegro impetuoso, you wished to hear it all again soon. This is an endearing piece. All credit must go to Fifield and Christodoulou for reviving a work that was popular with such virtuoso stars from yesteryear as Adolf Busch and Joseph Szigeti. MUSICAL OPINION Edward Clark, April-June 2016 ANNOUNCEMENTS - GRAMOPHONE![]() - This new SOMM release features two perennial favourites, the Glazunov and Dvorak Violin Concertos. They are often recorded together, deriving their inspiration from Russian Bohemia's musical heritage whilst still remaining close to Brahmsian Viennese traditions. Adding to these Sibelius's Six Humoresques for Violin & Orchestra makes this a hugely enjoyable combination. (SOMM) - A straightforward interpretation, with a sweet tone and a palpable sense of joy in the music-making. GRAMOPHONE Hannah Nepil, December 2015 DISCOGRAPHY: Glazunov, Sibelius & Dvorak: Works for Violin & Orchestra, SOMM 0153![]() Dvorak: Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53 Efi Christodoulou (violin) Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, John Carewe "This is playing almost of the old school, reminiscent of Menuhin or Oistrakh at their best' (Fanfare, USA) "Blazingly committed performances (from John Carewe and the Bournemouth SO) do full justice to, yes, one of our greatest living composers." Calum MacDonald, April 2014 (of D. Matthews' Vespers/Symphony No. 7 on Dutton Vocalion). REVIEWS: www.robertfarnonsociety.org.uk ... erto-in-a-minor www.classicalsource.com/db_control/db_cd_review.php?id=13124 CD available at http://blog.musicaloffering.gr/748871015326/ DISCOGRAPHY: Debussy, Elgar, Sibelius: Efi Christodoulou, Margaret Fingerhut, GMCD 7358![]() Performer: Efi Christodoulou (Violin), Margaret Fingerhut (Piano) 1. Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor by Claude Debussy 2. Sonata for Violin and Piano in E minor, Op. 82 by Sir Edward Elgar 3. Humoresques (2) for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 87 by Jean Sibelius http://www.guildmusic.com/shop/wbc.php?tpl=pdruck.html&pid=13156 CD available at blog.musicaloffering.gr/795754735826/ CRITICAL ACCLAIM![]() An intense and committed performance which demonstrated a high level of technical achievement. Efi Christodoulou proved herself to be a powerful player. Massive confidence and authority. A most gifted violinist, technically and musically. Beautiful sound and splendid technique. Exceptional facility and talent. An extremely talented violinist who performs with a positive flair and temperament. An artist of tremendous assurance and musical intelligence whose performance of the rarely-heard William Schuman concerto was stunning in its virtuosity and command. Mastery of the instrument ... Flashes of brilliance. Great confidence and musicality ... Very impressive. A brilliant violinist possessing a fine technique. Efi played the Sibelius concerto with spirit and conviction. Efi Christodoulou gave a stunning, note-perfect performance enhanced by her adding a piquant sweetness to those lyrical sections. Her playing was rock solid, as she is kept busy with demands for intricate, finger tripping virtuosity throughout. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ CD REVIEWS FOR GMCD 7358: D E B U S S Y, E L G A R, S I B E L I U S: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ This is playing almost of the old school, reminiscent of Menuhin or Oistrakh at their best. Here is infinite variety. Christodoulou is a sympathetic advocate ..... with pin-point intonation. In the Elgar Christodoulou and Fingerhut play the unsettled beginning passionately. The Sibelius Humoresques are the standout in this interesting and enterprising programme. Greek-born violin virtuoso Efi Christodoulou, and the impressive Margaret Fingerhut, here give outstanding, intelligent performances. The Sibelius Humoresques are indispensable. Efi Christodoulou tackles Sibelius Six Humoresques, with wit and flair, dashing off the virtuosic demands with élan and touches of silky warmth, and bringing infectious high spirits. The quality of the deliberate dialog between violin and piano in the Debussy, makes a case for this serious interpretation. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ C D REVIEWS FOR SOMM 0153 : G L A Z U N O V, D V O R A K, S I B E L I U S: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ www.somm-recordings.com/somm/ifield.php?id=236 Christodoulou adds gypsy-passion, affecting lyricism, and exuberance in the Dvorak Concerto. She has the Sibelius in her soul, and plays with considerable largesse. Highly acclaimed as a performer, Efi Christodoulou is ably supported on these excellent recordings by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under John Carewe. Highly recommended – congratulations are due to the enterprising SOMM label for this enjoyable new release. This recording features Greek-born award-winning violinist Efi Christodoulou with John Carewe and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in terrific form. Dvorak Concerto comes across grandly here. Sibelius's Six Humoresques congure up a Nordic romanticism ardent, strange and almost mystical. Efi Christodoulou gives a direct and warm-hearted performance of the Dvorak violin concerto and if she's inclined to linger in the adagio, I find her approach more congenial than Ann-Sophie Mutter's version. There's a palpable sense of joy in the music-making. Acclaimed Greek violinist Efi Christodoulou took to the stage to give a commanding performance of Busoni’s Violin Concerto. Christodoulou stole the show with incredulously fast finger-gymnastics and exquisite melodies. SOUND SAMPLES![]() Listen to full CD tracks: Recital Disc: play.spotify.com/album/2ep2ErBLgEQSVLlHrm1Xnj Concerto Disc: play.spotify.com/artist/3Ft6ZAX0viGlv0AwURgxFJ Samples, Concerto Disc: www.nicherecords.ro/disc/clasi ... ncertos-cd.html REPERTOIRE Concerto![]() Concerto ANTONIOU Concerto/fantasia REPERTOIRE Recital![]() Recital BACH Six Sonatas and Partitas VIDEO LINKS![]() - Matthew Taylor Violin Concerto (World Premiere): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc9YOihp3I8 State Academic Orchestra of the Capella / Matthew Taylor / St. Petersburg - Robert Still Violin Concerto (World Premiere): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrAcgOwvZ9I Ealing Symphony Orchestra / John Gibbons / London | ![]() |