I am getting a considerable amount of musical joy from practicing Caprices on the violin and the viola. Because the violin is so much easier to play, I find the act of playing Caprices more capricious on the violin. In order to remember (and remind you, the reader) that when times get tough this road (or Rode in violin and viola speak) to sweetness and light is available, I'm putting a link to all the violin caprices in the IMSLP here.
Most people know the Paganini Caprices, which, in addition to being both difficult and great, are fun for those who have the technique to play them. And then there are the Dont Caprices, which could aptly be named "Can't" when attempted on the viola. Who can resist Federigo Fiorillo's Caprices, which lead into one another and make "chain reading" through them entirely natural. Often overlooked, because they have been hidden away in libraries, are lovely and lively caprices by Ferdinand David.
There is so much to explore, and so much to be gained by exploring!
2 comments:
Thank you for the inspiration to revisit the Caprices of Luigi Legnani. Legnani was a friend of Paganini from about 1830. Stories of their performing together have never been substantiated. Also a good idea to revisit the Paganini Ghirabizzi.
Happy to oblige! I love Luigi Legnani's Caprices!
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