Search - Eugene Fodor :: Witches Brew

Fodor's virtuosity showcased

klavierspiel | TX, USA | 02/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Eugene Fodor has made a name for himself as a brilliant technician of the violin. This recent album showcases his talents in that direction and demonstrates, despite his past well-publicized (perhaps excessively so) career troubles, that his playing ability remains unimpaired.The production of this "theme" recording, with its somewhat cutesy title and artwork, is oddly uninformative and fails to reveal that some substantial music is included here: Brahms' Sonatensatz, Ravel's Tzigane and the final two movements of Paganini's Second Violin Concerto, "La Campanella," played in a heavily cut version with piano, but with the bell included in the rondo-finale (played by Fodor's wife!). The artist plays all of these, as well as the lighter pieces, with his usual fire, panache, and impeccable accuracy, if without a great deal of interpretive variety. The violin is recorded rather prominently, pushing the competent piano accompaniment into the background, but this is no more than what is called for by most of the music.All in all, this is an enjoyable disc for aficionados of virtuoso string playing."

Cute title, different mixture

Nora | 09/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album, whose title implies a spooky Halloween type music is a mixture of not only wild and tempting music but some relaxing ones as well. I was first introduced to Fodor's music when he appeared in my somewhat small city for a concert. He is a very fine virtuoso and I loved that nights experience. I listened to the cd and was amazed. He has great talent and this "brew," mixture of different kinds of music is a great musical experience to anyone who loves the art of violin as well as music. He leers at you through his music and then lovingly puts his emotions into each note. Fun to listen to!"

The Paganini Master

Nora | 12/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No one can play Paganini as well as Eugene Fodor. He is simply the best of the best."