Filmed Live Fort Lee Music Hall (Fort Lee, NJ; 12/21/24)
Piano: David Ji
#music #classicalmusic #violin #musician
Edward Elgar's La Capricieuse, Op. 17, is a charming piece for violin and piano, composed in 1891. The title, which translates to "The Capricious One," reflects the playful and mercurial character of the music. It showcases Elgar’s gift for lyricism and his ability to capture subtle emotional shifts within a light-hearted and virtuosic framework.
The piece was written during Elgar’s early career, a time when he was primarily known as a violinist and teacher. La Capricieuse was designed to appeal to the salon music market, which favored technically engaging yet accessible compositions. Its delicate charm, graceful melodies, and passages requiring agility make it both a display of virtuosity and a delightful listening experience.
The playful nature of the work aligns with its title, alternating between lively, skipping rhythms and tender, expressive phrases. La Capricieuse helped establish Elgar’s reputation as a composer and remains a popular encore piece, embodying the elegance and refinement of late Romantic violin repertoire.