| I would like to see a return to violin recitals given in the first half of the century by the great performers such as Jascha Heifetz, Fritz Kreisler and Mischa Elman. Their programs featured one or two large works surrounded by short, contrasting pieces such as those found on this CD. More recently shorter works have been relegated to the ranks of "encore" pieces. I feel this minimizes their value. The greatness of these works is the freedom, which they give the violinist to show off his or her individual personality, to the delight of the listener. |
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| I feel equally at ease with the fiery technique of Fritz Kreisler's Recitative and Scherzo as with the beauty of simple melody as found in Paganini's Cantabile. Mozart's Rondo gives me an opportunity to showcase my classical training from the Conservatory in Bucharest, as well as my years working as an orchestral concertmaster. |
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| My last CD was entitled "GYPSY!"."Ballade" both compliments and contrasts this former work. All the offerings here are classical compositions, with the exception of The Lark, which is a Romanian folk melody. Better Known as Romanian Rhapsody #1 by George Enescu, I have included The Lark on this CD because of its great popularity with my public. The remaining works have been chosen for the warmth, passion and joie de vivre, which people have come to expect of my performances. |
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| In spite of my concert critiques, which distinguish me as a technician, I do not consider myself a virtuoso performer. I feel my strength lies in my ability to reach out and touch people at the very core of their being. Ciprian Porumbescu's Ballade is a good example of this. It somehow expresses the spirit of the Romanian people. Yet, when I play Ballade anywhere, you can hear a pin drop! I first performed Ballade in Bucharest at the age of 13. It was a great moment for my parents. Ballade was always a favorite of my father, Arcadie Harea. He died of cancer some years ago and I was not able to be with him. For that reason I would like to dedicate this performance to his memory. |
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| IOAN HAREA |
