Locatelli, Vieuxtemps & Others: Works

Experience the masterful artistry of David Oistrakh in this captivating live album, "Locatelli, Vieuxtemps & Others: Works," released on August 20, 2021. This collection showcases Oistrakh's virtuosity and deep musical insight, featuring a diverse range of works performed with unparalleled skill and passion.

The album opens with Eugène Ysaÿe's intense and evocative "Sonata for Solo Violin in D Minor, Op. 27 No. 3 'Ballade,'" followed by the lyrical beauty of Ysaÿe's "Poème No. 6 for 2 Violins & Orchestra, Op. 26 'Amitié.'" Oistrakh's rendition of Henri Vieuxtemps' "Violin Sonata in F Minor, Op. 6 No. 7 'Au tombeau'" is a highlight, with each movement revealing the depth and nuance of Oistrakh's interpretation.

The album also includes excerpts from Oistrakh's own compositions, the "8 Preludes & Fugues for Solo Violin, Op. 117," demonstrating his prowess as both a performer and a composer. Additionally, Oistrakh's arrangement of Vieuxtemps' "Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 31" for violin and piano is a thrilling conclusion to this remarkable collection.

Recorded live, this album captures the energy and spontaneity of Oistrakh's performances, offering a unique opportunity to experience his genius firsthand. With a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, it's a rich and rewarding listen for classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

David Oistrakh, a titan of 20th-century classical music, was a Soviet Russian violinist, violist, and conductor whose name is synonymous with virtuosity and artistry. Born in Odessa, Ukraine, in 1908, Oistrakh began his violin studies at a tender age and quickly rose to prominence, earning the nickname "the Eastern Paganini." His exceptional technique and rich tone production made him one of the most-recorded violinists of all time, with a repertoire that spanned concerti, sonatas, and Soviet masterworks.

Oistrakh's career was marked by numerous premieres of works by renowned composers such as Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and Khachaturian. He was not just a performer but also a dedicated pedagogue, sharing his knowledge as a professor at the Moscow Conservatory. His influence extended beyond his performances, as he mentored countless students and inspired generations of musicians.

Despite the political climate of his time, Oistrakh's musical genius transcended borders, earning him international acclaim. He performed extensively in the Soviet Union and abroad, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music. His legacy continues to inspire, with his recordings and performances celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. Oistrakh's contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards, including the title of People's Artist of the USSR and the Lenin Prize.