Maxim Vengerov gives a masterclass on one of the most famous rhapsodic compositions by Maurice Ravel, Tzigane.
A gifted child, Maxim Vengerov gave his first recital at the age of five and won the first prize in the Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition at the age of ten. Considered today one of the most accomplished violinists of his time, he does not hesitate to share his talents for the benefit of the education. Indeed, students of the London Royal Academy of Music describe him as an attentive professor and a musician as interesting as inspiring.
Ravel composed Tzigane in 1924, after having heard Jelly d'Arányi, Joseph Joachim's niece, play Bartók's Sonata No. 1 in London. He wrote: "To our friend, who plays with such ease, she convinced me to compose a work whose diabolical technicality will revive the Hungary seen in my dreams". With one movement only, this work starts in a tense atmosphere, almost gloomy, but its ending is absolutely delighting.
The Masterclass Media Foundation Archives offer to students and music lovers around the world filmed masterclasses, given by the best talents, on the greatest works of the classical repertoire. Their primary purpose is to provide a valuable educational resource in order to perpetuate passion and knowledge from one generation to another.
