Friedemann Eichhorn - Souvenir d'Amerique (LP)

"Souvenir d'Amérique" is a captivating chamber music album released by violinist Friedemann Eichhorn on November 6, 2012, under the Oehms Classics label. This 1 hour and 19-minute collection showcases Eichhorn's virtuosity and versatility, featuring a diverse range of compositions arranged for violin and piano.

The album opens with selections from George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess," including the iconic "It Ain't Necessarily So" and "Bess, You Is My Woman Now," arranged by Jascha Heifetz. Eichhorn and pianist Andreas Frölich also delve into Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise-étude en forme de habanera" and Stephen Foster's "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair," both arranged by Heifetz.

A highlight of the album is the title track, "Souvenir d'Amérique" by Henri Vieuxtemps, a charming variation on "Yankee Doodle." The duo also explores works by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, from his incidental music for "Much Ado About Nothing," and Ernst Bloch's "Baal Shem," showcasing their ability to navigate complex and evocative compositions.

Eichhorn and Frölich's rendition of John Williams' "Schindler's List Theme" is a poignant addition, demonstrating their skill in interpreting modern film scores. The album concludes with Astor Piazzolla's "Milontan" and Georges Bizet's "Carmen Fantasie," arranged for violin and piano, offering a vibrant and dynamic finish.

Throughout "Souvenir d'Amérique," Eichhorn's impeccable technique and expressive playing are complemented by Frölich's sensitive and nuanced piano accompaniment. This album is a testament to their musical synergy and a treat for chamber music enthusiasts.