[Dixielandjazz] RE: 3-string violins in concert (was Perlman)

[Tamas Ittzes]

Well, being a violin player, I think, the Perlman story is at least a
bit too colourfully presented. Something similar could happen but
certainly not with a whole Concerto and certainly not with a romantic
piece or a 20th century piece. Anyway, I myself heard a similar thing
happen 14 years ago in Budapest when great Greek violinist, Leonidas
Kavakos (one of the if the not THE best classical violinist today) made
his Hungarian debut. His first piece was a Mozart Sonata that he played
beautifully. In the middle of the first movement his E string (the
highest one) broke but after two dissonant chords he continued without
hesitating and stopping and recomposed the piece when it was necessary.
He did not miss a beat and played absolutely in tune - sometimes high up
on the A string and restructured the chords when it was necessary. Yes,
there was an outburst after the first movement. BUT: he played from a
score as normally classical people play the violin-piano sonatas and he
went out after the first movement and changed his string. Anyway, what
he did was absolutely great and unusual in the "serious music" circuit -
they, even most of the best known players, normally do not know
harmonies as well and unable to do a little improvisation, and in this
case it was essential. Well, but most jazz players sound building is not
as concentrated as that of the classical players.

Cheers,

Tamas

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Tamas ITTZES - violin teacher, ragtime pianist, festival organizer
Bohem Ragtime Jazzband, Kecskemet Jazz Foundation
Mailing address: H-6001 KECSKEMET, Pf. 652., Hungary
Phone: +36(20)82-447-82
E-mails: tamas at bohemragtime.com, bohem at fibermail.hu
Web site: http://www.bohemragtime.com
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