Caprice No. 24

Item details

• Description +

  • Duration: approx 8 min.
    Arranged and adapted by Adélaïde Ferrière
    
    

    Preface

    « The famous “Caprice No. 24” for solo violin is one of the most iconic violin pieces ever. I wanted to keep that nearly impossible virtuosity on the marimba by creating harmonised variations using Arpeggios, rotations, and octaves to reach the Paganini’s idea to highly challenge the performer. »
    
    Adélaïde Ferrière

• Instrumentation +

  • Marimba (5-octave)

• Watch+

  • Performed by Adélaïde Ferrière
    
    

• About the composer +

  • Niccolò (or Nicolò) Paganini (27 October 1782 – 27 May 1840) was an Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer. He was the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time, and left his mark as one of the pillars of modern violin technique. His 24 Caprices for Solo Violin Op. 1 are among the best known of his compositions and have served as an inspiration for many prominent composers.

• Reviews +

  • Review (Percussive Notes, June 2022)
    
    Adelaide Ferriere’s transcription for solo marimba of “Caprice No. 24” is a tour-de-force arrangement of the well-known and loved original by Niccolo Paganini. The standard notation is clear, and the phrasing indications draw the marimbist’s eye to the composer’s intent, much as the original does for a violinist. Though not originally for marimba, this version is a unique, yet faithful, representation of the original. Each variation is labeled and uses various voicing, stroke types, and playing techniques to showcase the performer’s wide skill range, as well as showcase the versatile voice of the 5-octave marimba. As such, this would be perfect for a solo recital, but could also be broken into separate variations and played in parts, as in a collage-type concert or for a moment when a shorter piece is required.
    
    About the work, the composer states: “The famous ‘Caprice No. 24’ for solo violin is one of the most iconic violin pieces ever. I wanted to keep that nearly impossible virtuosity on the marimba by creating harmonized variations using arpeggios, rotations, and octaves to reach Paganini’s idea to highly challenge the performer.” And what a beautiful challenge, indeed!
    
    —Jamie Wind Whitmarsh

• Credits +

  • Front Cover Design: Nicola Lee
    Photo: Adrien Roux
    Engraving: Adélaïde Ferrière
    Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
    www.editionsvitzer.com

Related publications

Asturias

Danse Macabre

Rhapsody in Blue

Passacaglia

Suite No. 5 in E major