Ernst's final work, the Sechs mehrstimmige Etüden ('Six Polyphonic Studies'), shows an almost Bachian interest in contrapuntal effects on a single instrument.
Composer Biography
Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst, a Moravian violinist and composer, was considered a legend in his own lifetime, though he died before the era of sound recording.
Performer Biography
Ashley Wass, the pianist on this album, is the only British pianist to have won First Prize at the London International Piano Competition.
Composer Biography
Ernst's life was transformed at age 14 when he heard Paganini play in Vienna in 1828, leading him to follow the great Italian virtuoso to absorb his technique.
Performer Biography
Ilya Gringolts, the violinist on this album, won the 1998 International Violin Competition 'Premio Paganini' and was the youngest-ever competitor to reach the final.
Compositional Technique
In a gesture anticipating Ysaÿe's six solo violin sonatas, Ernst dedicated each of his Six Polyphonic Studies to a different great violinist of his time.
Composer's Artistic Vision
As a composer, Ernst combined the reckless virtuosity of Paganini and Liszt with a strong instinct for musical substance, using transcendent violin technique for more than mere display.
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Song & Dance
Il Cannone: Francesca Dego Plays Paganini's Violin
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