In this, their first CD, Roby Lakatos (violin) and his Ensemble (consisting of piano, guitar, cymbalon, double bass, and another violin) take their listeners on an exhilarating journey through a variety of gypsy-inspired musical styles. Their flair, charm and sensitive musicianship are apparent from the first note to the last.
Described as the ‘nonconformist of the violin’, Roby Lakatos was born into a family of Hungarian gypsy violin traditions dating back to the time of Beethoven! Being a nonconformist in every sense however, he has taken these traditions and moulded them to achieve his own unique musical voice. The incorporation of a guitar and piano into his gypsy ensemble for instance, are certainly not typical instruments of this genre.
This CD, entitled simply ‘Lakatos’, consists of 13 tracks (see below for track listing). There is something for everyone here, with some tracks being traditional Hungarian folksongs, some Lakatos’ own compositions, film-score themes and even adaptations of Brahms Hungarian Dances. Each track is played with conviction and sincerity and there truly is never a dull moment in this delightful box of tricks! I recommend it whole-heartedly.
Track Listing:
1. Hungarian Dance No.5 (Brahms) 2. Deux Guitares (folksong) 3. Kallai lettos (Kodaly) 4. Czardas (Monti) 5. L'Aloutte (Dinicu) 6. Pour Valia (Lakatos) 7. Sabre Dance (Khachaturian) 8. Post Phrasing (Lakatos) 9. Ochi Chornyje (folksong) 10. Schindler's List (Williams) 11. Hungarian Dance No.6 (Brahms) 12. La Boheme (Plante-Aznavour) 13. Mr. Grapelli (Lakatos)
My personal favourite tracks are Deux Guitares; which has some amazing instrumental effects, and Czardas which is electrifying. No weak links here!
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