Paganini: 24 Caprices, op.1 Jan Stigmer

• Niccoló Paganini (1782-1840): 24 Caprices, op. 1 for Violin Solo
• 1Caprice No. 1 in E Andante01:53
• 2Caprice No. 2 in B Minor Moderato02:48
• 3Caprice No. 3 in E Minor Sostenuto - Presto03:05
• 4Caprice No. 4 in C Minor Maestoso07:22
• 5Caprice No. 5 in A Minor Agitato02:26
• 6Caprice No. 6 in G Minor Lento04:26
• 7Caprice No. 7 in A Minor Posato03:57
• 8Caprice No. 8 in E Flat Maestoso02:32
• 9Caprice No. 9 in E Allegretto03:04
• 10Caprice No. 10 in G Minor Vivace02:28
• 11Caprice No. 11 in C Andante - Presto04:12
• 12Caprice No. 12 in A Flat Allegro03:07
• 13Caprice No. 13 in B Flat Allegro02:12
• 14Caprice No. 14 in E Flat Moderato01:09
• 15Caprice No. 15 in E Minor Posato02:48
• 16Caprice No. 16 in G Minor Presto01:34
• 17Caprice No. 17 in E Flat Sostenuto - Andante03:18
• 18Caprice No. 18 in C Corrente - Allegro02:32
• 19Caprice No. 19 in E Flat Lento - Allegro assai02:52
• 20Caprice No. 20 in D Allegretto03:07
• 21Caprice No. 21 in A Amoroso - Presto03:26
• 22Caprice No. 22 in F Marcato02:22
• 23Caprice No. 23 in E Flat Posato03:25
• 24Caprice No. 24 in A Minor Tema con Variazioni Quasi presto04:39
• Total Runtime01:14:44

Info for Paganini: 24 Caprices, op.1

Swedish violinist Jan Stigmer marks his return after a three year absence with a recording of the 24 caprices by Niccoló Paganini. The first recording ever by a Scandinavian violinist, it focuses on the richness of Paganini’s musical palette.

“It has always fascinated me how Paganini managed to create 24 pieces of music, all of which are unique in their idea and character. It is all here – from the most extroverted to the most intimate, from the simple to the imaginative, almost intellectual, from the sorrowful and introspective to the carefree and humorous.” (Jan Stigmer)

Created by a man considered by many contemporaries to be not wholly of this world, there is no debate regarding Paganini’s importance for the development of the violin. But the sheer physical challenge of the caprices can easily leave the listener with the impression that this is all about making a virtuoso impression. But given proper care, the caprices reveal a composer who had both depth and sensibility to match his phenomenal technical talent.

Jan Stigmer, violin

Recorded 26-27 February and 4 March 2012 at Nacka Aula, Stockholm, Sweden
Produced by Jan Stigmer
Mastered by Lars Nilsson, Nilento Studio, Gothenburg, Sweden

Jan Stigmer
has for many years received high acclaim from audiences and critics alike for his personal and communicative style of playing. It is without any doubt the lyrical and colourful quality of his playing that set him apart. Born in Sweden in 1964, he received his first violin lessons at the age of six. His main teacher was the late professor Tibor Fülep and he contributes most of his education to him. He also studied with André Gertler and Herman Krebbers. Since his early twenties he has toured extensively and he has performed with some of the world top orchestras such as the English Chamber Orchestra and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and many others. His travels has taken him to most European countries as well as several trips to North America, South America and Asia. After his North America début in Chicago with Sibelius violin concerto, the critic of the Chicago Tribune called it “...a breath taking tour-de-force”. And his first performance at the famous “Sala Cecilia Meireles” in Rio de Janeiro, was voted performance of the year in “Globo”. “The American Record Guide” recommends his recording of the Haydn violin concertos to its readers worldwide and “The Gramophone” described him as “a player who clearly knows what string players like…very communicative, full blooded playing”. Having toured extensively in China he became the first western musician ever to perform in Tibet in 2005. As a chamber musician, Jan Stigmer has worked with artists like Imogen Cooper, John Lenehan, Josf Suk, Victor Liberman, Norbert Brainin, James Galway, Michala Petri, Barry Tuckwell, Barbara Hendriks, Barbara Bonney and many others.

Jan Stigmer plays on a violin by Antonio Stradivarius.

Booklet for Paganini: 24 Caprices, op.1