Classical Piece of the Week: Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20

Missed the last one? Here's a link to Polonaise from Eugene Onedin.

When you first start to devote yourself to an activity, whether it's violin or gymnastics or anything else for that matter, you naturally turn to the professionals. You watch them, listen to them, analyze them. And as you stare in awe at their pure talent, you wonder if you will ever be able to achieve that level of accomplishment. This week's piece, Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20 by Pablo de Sarasate, is that accomplishment. Most pieces sound easier than they actually are. This piece sounds just as hard as it is. When played right, it can really make an audience imagine wonders. It will tear your heart apart, make it pound, and make it race with excitement.

The first of two sections of this piece is slow. But this piece doesn't let the tempo take away from its power. Zigeunerweisen literally shines power. It bathes in raw grit, in its epic grandeur. Some of the parts make your stomach clench, because it is just that impactful. Yet it manages to keep a clean and clean sound, despite the brilliant passage runs and numerous sforzandos and accents.

The second (and last) section is fast. And when I say fast, I really, really mean it. The beginning will probably catch you by surprise, but once you get used to it, it just feels like your feet are being lifted above ground from the sheer swiftness of it. And if you feel yourself starting to jostle around, or bobbing your head to the rhythm, don't fight it! ;)

Zigeunerweisen is one hell of a piece. And it's exactly this kind of music that keeps us violinists so motivated, because we all want to be able to drench our souls into such a glorious, magnificent piece.