Paganini, N.: Introduction and Variations On Nel Cor Più Non Mi Sento / 3 Duets / Divertimenti Carnevaleschi

Featuring

Stefan Milenkovich
Pier Domenico Sommati
Riccardo Agosti
Niccolò Paganini

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Compositional Technique

Paganini's early compositions, including these variations, feature dialogues between the 4th string and harmonics, and ponticello effects marked 'organetto'.

Composition History

The "Divertimenti Carnevaleschi" are dedicated to General Milhaud, a Napoleonic general stationed in Genoa around 1803-1805, which helps date the compositions.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Paganini was keenly interested in experimenting with the variation form, using Paisiello's aria as a starting point for different instrumental combinations.

Composition History

The version of "In cuor più non mi sento" on this album, for principal violin, second violin, and accompanying cello, is a world debut recording and likely dates from Paganini's time in Naples.

Compositional Technique

Paganini used the variation form for popular dances like the Perigordino, as these simple melodies were not suitable for sonata-style development.

Performer Biography

Stefan Milenkovich, the violinist on this album, began playing at age three and performed his thousandth concert in Mexico in 1993.

Composition History

Paganini's variations on "In cuor più non mi sento" from Paisiello's opera "La Molinara" exist in several versions, with the earliest dated to Naples in 1821.