The German-born soloist migrated to spectacular success in the pop-rock world, but now crosses back to his classical roots. His programme is the "legacy" from a predecessor, the famous Fritz Kreisler who brought Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D back into vogue in the early 20th century. In addition, Garrett plays six other pieces, his own arrangements of Kreisler's music, including Caprice Viennoise, Liebesleid, Tambourin Chinois and Rachmaninov's Variation 18 on a Theme of Paganini. Other pieces are based on themes by Carl Maria von Weber and Corelli. As one would expect this is a showy display by a virtuoso that displays much passion and skill.
He is also assisted by the RPO, conducted by Ion Marin, playing with spirit - well recorded.
Highlight: The main course: a Beethoven masterpiece.
This Wellington duo was formed in 2010 by Maitra, who studied violin at the University of Otago, and Moriarty who has studied at Massey University and in the United States. They aim to perform a wide range of music written for violin and guitar and this is their debut album.
Title piece Da Chara (Gaelic for two friends) was written by American composer Ian Krouse originally for flute and guitar, and the programme includes his Air, as well as works by four other composers. Included are three De Falla excerpts from his Suite Populaire Espagnole and works by local composer Anthony Ritchie: Song, Tomahawk Sonnet and Love Song (Three Pieces for Violin and Guitar rearranged by the composer), Prelude, and Au Revoir.
Highlight: Entertaining arrangements, light listening.
