Rodney Friend, Michael Isador – Kreisler Favourites

Rodney Friend, Michael Isador – Kreisler Favourites

Kreisler Favourites is a refined collection celebrating the beloved violin miniatures and arrangements associated with Fritz Kreisler, one of the most influential violinists and composers of the early twentieth century. Performed with elegance and expressive sensitivity by violinist Rodney Friend and pianist Michael Isador, this album brings together some of the most cherished works in the violin repertoire.

Kreisler was renowned not only for his virtuosic playing but also for his gift for transforming earlier classical themes into romantic, salon-style masterpieces. This collection highlights that artistry, featuring his own original compositions alongside his famous transcriptions of works by composers such as Boccherini, De Falla, Gluck, Couperin, Paganini, Francoeur, Tartini, and Corelli.

From the lyrical warmth of Liebesfreud and Liebesleid to the dazzling brilliance of Tambourin Chinois and La Clochette, the programme showcases both technical flair and deep musical expression. The duo’s interpretation of Praeludium and Allegro and Sicilienne and Rigaudon further demonstrates the elegance and stylistic range of Kreisler’s arrangements.

A timeless example of violin repertoire at its most expressive and accessible, Kreisler Favourites will appeal to collectors of classical string music, fans of Romantic-era salon works, and anyone drawn to the charm and virtuosity of early twentieth-century violin tradition.

Tracklist:

Side A

1. Liebesfreud (Kreisler)
2. Liebesleid (Kreisler)
3. Schön Rosmarin (Kreisler)
4. Tambourin Chinois (Kreisler)
5. Caprice Viennois (Kreisler)
6. Allegretto (Boccherini arr. Kreisler)
7. Danse Espagnole from "La Vida Breve" (De Falla arr. Kreisler)

Side B

1. Praeludium and Allegro (Pugnani arr. Kreisler)
2. Melodie (Gluck arr. Kreisler)
3. La Précieuse (Couperin arr. Kreisler)
4. Chant Sans Parole (Tchaikovsky arr. Kreisler)
5. La Clochette (Paganini arr. Kreisler)
6. Sicilienne and Rigaudon (Francoeur arr. Kreisler)
7. Variations on a Theme by Corelli (Tartini arr. Kreisler)