TARTINI - Sonata in G minor ("Devil's Trill")

TARTINI Sonata in G minor ("Devil's Trill")
Ania Filochowska, violin
Michael Davidman, piano
Performed on Monday, December 11, 2017
Field Concert Hall, Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia
The G minor violin sonata by Italian composer Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770) is a piece whose inspiration has become legendary. The composer described a dream in which he sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his demonic services. One of these was apparently music, as (in the dream) Tartini handed the devil his violin and stood in awe of the creature’s playing. “I felt enraptured, transported, enchanted: my breath failed me, and I awoke. I immediately grasped my violin in order to retain, in part at least, the impression of my dream. In vain!”
In this sonata, Tartini documented his attempt to capture the diabolical virtuosity he heard in his dream, particularly in the fourth and final movement (Allegro assai).Stylistic evidence leads musicologists to believe the “Devil’s Trill” sonata was likely composed in the 1740s, much later than the date recorded in the composer’s anecdote. But whatever its historical origins, Tartini’s sonata is perhaps the earliest example of a musical “deal with the devil,” a trope that echoes through music history from Thomas Mann’s novel Doctor Faustus (1947) to the Charlie Daniels Band’s “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” (1979) and Tenacious D’s “Tribute” (2001).

[@thomasslover2340]

Extraordinary performance on violin, but the pianist also was just perfect. His intonation and subtle voicing were ideally balanced and should be an example of how to play in harmony with the soloist. Kudos Mr. Davidman

[@bard2227]

Yeah it's amazing that he didn't even have to look at the soloist that much they are so in sync

[@frightdavid1863]

His intonation? On the piano?

[@ihH6053]

@@frightdavid1863 right lol

[@sweetcarolina8740]

Oh my gosh, Hello! Oh my don't even know how to say that what I've seen was complete excellence! What this is, is bringing back talent from Tartini and others... Way to go and keep good energy going, you are an "Angel".

[@lol-cc1ob]

Not gonna lie i like the positivity but you sound like a soccer mom trying to act like she understands music

[@liquidgee13]

Tartini and "Devil's Trill" is mentioned is a not-so-short story by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky entitled "The Ensouled Violin" which appears in the anthology "Ghosts A Treasury of Chilling Tales Old and New" published by Doubleday. Though I'm not a fan of such music the above story is what brought me here (I almost mistyped 'hear' and considered not correcting the misspelling). Glad I gave this a listen, excellent performance by all.

[@cdeiker]

The Devil's Trill will always be my favorite piece of classical music

[@rickwoods3926]

A stellar performance by them both. Magnificent.

[@rosernabona9364]

The Sonata in G minor Devil,s Trill is brilliant and marvellous ❤

[@allanm5064]

Sis, you are the bestest of the best. Many years back I heard Jascha Heitfetz, I am sure he would have been happy to hear you.

[@RedDesertViolin]

This is SUCH an inspiring performance.

[@cognitogrrl]

Just astounding! Bravo to both artists. I came here because I'm reading Frank Tallis' novels, the Libermann Papers books, and the one I'm on presently, "Fatal Lies," has a scene with a woman playing this as a violin solo. Now I have a fine image to go with the words.

[@vanivashisht7305]

beautiful...Cant take my eyes off her

[@billheiman3053]

This is a truly spectacular performance!

[@VandashStumpedKnee]

Amazing performance

[@devakikaren]

Wonderful wonderful wonderful. Are these students? YIKES.

[@kikikoko]

I'm so in love with her

[@andrewlackoff4345]

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! A divinely inspired performance of a divinely inspired piece.

[@debashismitro3255]

Enjoyed it. Very Soulful.

[@maxlever9196]

Feel free to upload anything else you have in the archives of Miss. Filochowska performing. Her playing is elegant and beautiful.

[@kylestage590]

I love her violin faces lol

[@gibbieraven]

So beautiful. It so left a big smile on my face, Thank You.

[@danielselli8619]

Quite a fun performance to watch!

[@AndersonMartins-fe7gp]

Incrível!!!!

[@Theturtleowl]

When all parties practice 40 hours per day

[@غُداف-ب3خ]

So romantic😩

[@mariamushinski2442]

Pretty piece she’s playing I like that

[@angelasanchez7335]

Wow! Very nice

[@joseenriquehidalgoviera2190]

Amazing !!!

[@SpaceCafeCanada]

What a trill... Sold....

[@keithramsell9955]

From memory? WELL DONE LASS!

[@silentstringquartet]

Bravo.

[@pianojam2181]

Love her “intonation”

[@arubian06]

Pretty damn good!!!

[@ricardotramirez]

Yes the trills are great, but that bow control is just *chef’s kiss*

[@minaviolinviola9561]

Going to play this soon

[@winrx]

Not sure if it's the audio placement but it seems she is deserving of a much better instrument. In any case this is a spectacular performance.....!

[@thomasbrown4323]

What are the performers names?

[@maytecave1344]

Fight, and dance with the Devil! PamParam Pararan Pam-param

[@peterwimmer1259]

Kreislers Kadenzen?

[@natalia-kr5bi]

Dacing with the devil

[@joshuachan3827]

Devil's trill is my favorite classical piece

[@void7kalin]

the Devil inside of us is very Talented

[@shannonsmith1520]

👿😎👿

[@msbutterflyz]

Hello there, Napoleon Dynamite

[@cellovalen]

Hello

[@sf6555]

Hi

[@midoalaa8244]

Hello

[@gamalat122]

Napoleon dynamite 👍

[@OhanaFiodelle]

😭 this was not the comment I was looking for, but subconsciously desired to see.

[@mikaelanovoeslov9117]

Cough at 1:00

[@andrewvirtual]

A little fast, but okay.

[@llamascheese8972]

Damn, the devil knows how to write music

[@Chaosium]

that sour look on her face just makes me think that she hates the violin

[@dasein1592]

The pianist should be watching her more...

[@expressmess7053]

Wow! I have to find my jaw.

[@marcoswilliam7986]

Lindos 💘😍