Chardash - Vittorio Monti

Csárdás (or Czardas) is probably the best-known composition by the Italian composer Vittorio Monti. It was composed in 1904 as a rhapsody for violin, mandolin or piano. The musical basis of the piece is a Hungarian chardash. Today it is usually played on the violin, but also on numerous other instruments, such as the piano, the tuba or even on glass bottles and is in the repertoire of many gypsy music bands. The piece has seven different sections, usually of a different tempo (and, occasionally, key). The first half of the piece is in D minor; it modulates to D major, then back to D minor, and then finally finishes in D major. The tempo changes make the piece exciting and interesting, but even with all of these tempo changes, it is generally expected that there should be some rubato to add feeling to the piece. There are also many different dynamic changes in the piece, ranging from pianissimo to fortissimo. In the Meno, quasi lento section, the violin plays artificial harmonics. This involves the violinist placing their finger down on the note and playing another note, with the finger only just touching the string 5 semitones above. This gives the effect of the violin sounding two octaves (24 semitones) higher. Performed by Stephen Hauser (cello) and Caroline Campbell (violin)