Triumphant Virtuosity - Unexpected Colors
Image Hifi
March, 2009

On Apap, you can always bank: what is labeled Apap will always contain
exhilarating, lively classical music which has been strongly worked against
the listening habits of the classical mainstream.

In his field, the French violinist is still unique. His style, at times
frankly fiddling from the bottom of his heart, at times an honest
demonstration of triumphant virtuosity, is an "ear-opener" of the highest
degree. Those not lucky enough to attend one of his concerts should buy
his cds.

Most recent release: "Sans Orchestre"---an audio trip from Mozart to Ravel,
with side trips to Bulgarian and Irish folk.

The musicians are the same as those who recorded the ingenious "Four
Seasons". Perfect, immaculate playing. A bit less scintillating than it
sounds live, but the sound is warmer and more resonant than on some former
productions.

The most adventurous, boldest "apapification" this time: Ravel's "Le
Tombeau de Couperin".

And by the way, the choice of works performed has been done with
intelligence. From pieces such as Saint-Saens' "Introduction and Rondo
Capriccioso", the quartet draws successfully the most unexpected colors.