by Leah Jackson
Andrej Kurti, professor of violin, viola and chamber orchestra at Northwestern State University, has recorded a CD of some of the most challenging and beloved compositions for violin. “24 Caprices” features Nicolo Paganini’s “Twenty-Four Caprices for Solo Violin, op. 1,” which was recorded live in a concert Kurti performed at NSU in October 2019. Final production of the project was delayed by COVID-19.
“I’m so very excited about this new CD,” Kurti said. “Huge ‘Thank You’ goes to producer and president of Blue Griffin Recordings, Dr. Sergei Kvitko, for putting his genius – and patience – to this project. Another thank you goes to my amazing wife Sofiko Tchetchelashvili for her love, support and advice. Finally, thank you to my friends and colleagues for their creativity and continuous support – Eleonora Machado, Dr. John Dunn, Leslie Gruesbeck, Scott Burrell and Dr. Masahito Kuroda.”
Kurti said performing Paganini’s “Twenty-Four Caprices for Solo Violin, op. 1” is a milestone for every violinist. The masterwork is technically challenging, musically charming and emotional for advanced violin study and performance. Kurti had planned a nationwide tour to perform the entire opus, which was cancelled during last year’s pandemic.
“A milestone for every violinist is Nicolo Paganini’s ‘Twenty-Four Caprices for Solo Violin, op. 1.’ It is technically extremely challenging and musically very charming and emotional. This masterwork is an essential repertoire and source for more advanced violin studying and growth in the performance field,” said Kurti. “So far, this Opus was recorded only by a few violinists, some of them being the leading artists of our time and role models for many aspiring performers.”
A native of Serbia, Kurti began teaching at NSU in 2004 and has blended his time with solo performances across the U.S. and Europe. He previously recorded Ysaye’s “Six Sonatas, Op. 21” for Blue Griffin with Kvitko as executive producer and sound engineer. He said the recording projects bring prestige to the university, attracting attention to NSU’s music program and his violin studio.
“The process of preparation and the completion of such a project has had immediate positive results in the areas of research/teaching/performing aspects,” he said.
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