The Manoel Theatre will play host to Massimo Quarta on Tuesday, 24 May, where he will be giving a recital in collaboration with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura of works for violin solo by Francesco Saverio Geminiani: Sonata; Johann Sebastian Bach: Partita no. 2, culminating in Nicolo Paganini’s Eight Capricci from the 24 Capricci op. 1 and The God Save the King Variations on the English National Anthem – a truly striking selection.

Geminiani’s outstanding virtuosity on the violin was described by Tartini as furibondo, and led him to compose splendidly for this instrument; he in fact composed over 30 sonatas for violin and basso continuo, but the culmination in the sonata style lies in the only one for violin solo, the form of which is still baroque, but which looks forward to the virtuosity of the Romantics.

Quarta will open the recital with this piece, and then move on to Bach’s Partita no. 2, written at about the same period as Geminiani’s Sonata, it manifests a contrasting style, but is just as striking for the public and demanding for the performer. The climax of the performance will be a selection of eight Capricci from the original set of 24, incidentally Paganini’s first work to be printed in 1820, by Ricordi, which was dedicated concisely by the composer agli artisti.

The Capricci encapsulate every aspect of violinistic virtuosity without sounding like a set of studies.

They are a show of extreme brilliance, culminating in no. 24, undoubtedly one of the most famous, exhibiting the potential of the violin to the utmost.

Firmly established as one of the most brilliant violinists of his generation, Massimo Quarta has been described as “The embodiment of elegance” which combines a formidable technique with a tenderness and refinement rarely heard.

His revolutionary approach to virtuoso Italian music has conquered audiences worldwide with extraordinary success.

His international career has taken him all over the world, taking part in renowned festivals, and performing in concerts of the highest caliber.

Born in 1965, Massimo Quarta began his musical studies at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, and furthered his studies with Salvatore Accardo, Ruggiero Ricci and Abram Stern.

Massimo Quarta plays the Masechal Bertier – ex von Vecsey Antonio Stradivari from 1716, kindly loaned by the Pro Canale Foundation of Milan.

Reservation for Massimo Quarta’s violin recital at the Manoel may be made from the Manoel Theatre Booking Office, tel: 21 246389, e-mail: [email protected] – On Line www.teatrumanoel.com