"A Recital Program Typical of the Golden Era" Internationally acclaimed virtuoso violinist Aaron Rosand in his first DVD - a recital program in the style of virtuoso violinists of the Golden Era - with piano accompanist Robert Koenig. This film features works by Bach, Tschaikovsky, Sarasate, Chopin, Brahms, LeClair, Franck, and others: Sonata III in D Major (J.M. LeClair) Sonata in A Major (Cesar Franck) Adagio & Fugue from Sonata I in G minor for Solo Violin (J.S. Bach) Preghiera (Rachmaninoff-Kreisler) Hopak (Moussorgsky-Rachmaninoff) Valse Sentimentale (Tschaikovsky-Press) March (Prokofieff-Heifetz) Zigeunerweisen (Sarasate) Nocturne in C# minor (Chopin-Milstein) Hungarian Dance #2 (Brahms) So what has compelled this classical artist, at the age of 77, to reach audiences through the new DVD medium? One of best reasons is the preservation of his traditional romantic violin style learned from the old masters that needs to be studied and shared with generations of violinists to come. To SEE Rosand perform is to appreciate his technique. Actor or director comments : In the course of my extended musical career, I have always tried to add color and variety to my recital programs, and this recital reflects an approach to programming typical of the virtuoso violinists of the Golden Era. Programs were planned like a well-balanced dinner with a tasty appetizer, a main course, and desserts, of course. The greats of this era gave recitals that deployed their particular talents in varied repertoire and programs were designed to showcase all facets of violin technique as well as to appeal to the audience. In contrast, today"s violin recitals are dominated by sonatas. Invariably, there is a music stand on stage and pages are being turned. This approach was unheard of in the past, as violinists memorized every note. In the Golden Era, short pieces and transcriptions played an important role in the second half of recital programs. An individual artist could move the audience with his or her style, personality and virtuosity. Recital audiences of that era clamored to listen to their favorite masters" interpretations of familiar violin repertoire and transcriptions. It was a pleasure for me to perform these and other violin masterpieces in recital to inaugurate a music scholarship fund at Mills College, where my wife was a graduate. I am honored that the scholarship fund bears my name. - Aaron Rosand