Significant works for solo violin have been composed continuously for the past three centuries. Choosing the "Essentials" from this massive body of works, as violinist
Herwig Zack has sought to do on this disc, is no small undertaking.
Zack's choice of repertoire, however, is exemplary, selecting representative works from a multitude of style periods and incorporating favorites like Bach's D minor Partita and lesser known works like Nikos Skalkottas' Sonata for solo violin. A student of Josef Gingold and himself on the faculty of the famed Indiana University School of Music, the vast technical demands of the five compositions heard on this album seem to pose little challenge to
Zack. Musical interpretation is less of a certainly and is more subject to personal preferences of individual listeners.
Zack plays with a great deal of rubato, and depending on the piece, some may find it to be a bit too much. Still,
Zack's powerful, muscular sound; complete control over dynamics; and voicing make for a very convincing performance that is well worth checking out. Avie's recorded sound quality is warm, spacious, and intimate while maintaining clarity.