Wieniawski: Scherzo-Tarantelle (Cw Vol A-20) Op. 16 (Viool en Piano)

Scherzo-Tarantella for violin and piano op. 16 (CW) a sparkling, glittering virtuoso miniature was written in 1855, when Wieniawskis violin career and fame were approaching their peak. The work belongs to the category of virtuoso miniatures, but its character is less of a salon composition than Wieniawskis other miniatures, such as Capriccio-Valse op. 7, or Romance sans paroles et Rondo élégant op. 9. It was published in the version for solo violin with piano accompaniment, but the composer was also planning a version for violin with orchestral accompaniment, as evidenced by the autograph of the score; this leads to the conclusion that he intended it to be performed at concert halls rather than salons. The work is written with panache, and provides the soloist with an opportunity to display his technical skills, but it also contains a lyrical, sweet cantilena, so characteristic of Wieniawskis work.