Presents
Joseph Achron
Dance Improvisation on a Hebrew Folksong for Violin & Piano, Op.37
Joseph Achron (1886-1943) was born in the Lithuanian town of Lodzdzieje (now Lazdijai). He studied violin with his father and then at the Warsaw Conservatory with Isadore Lotto and finally at the St. Petersburg Conservatory with Leopold Auer, teacher of such stars as Heifetz, Milstein and many others. Achron knew Heifetz and the two became friends with Heifetz championing Achron's music. After graduation, Achron pursued a career as a soloist, concertizing throughout Russia and Europe, Palestine and America. He taught and served as director of the Kharkov Conservatory and subsequently moved to Hollywood. Throughout his life, he composed. Most of his works are for violin and piano, however, he also wrote in several other genres.
The Dance Improvisation was composed in 1914 and was based on a Hebrew Folksong which Achron heard, possibly sung by his mother to whom the work is dedicated. The work begins with a short percussive, military-like introduction after which a jaunty dance is immediately introduced. It is lively and clearly shows its Hebraic origins. Achron creates a show piece which provides a wonderful example of how a virtuoso might improvise on such a tune
Here is a marvelous short work perfect as an encore or where something short is needed.
Parts: $9.95
