Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), Op. 20: Full Orchestra, Solo Strings with Ensemble Solo Part

Written by Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) in 1878, Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), Op. 20 is a favorite among violin virtuosos, having been recorded many times, including by Sarasate himself. Some of the themes thought to be of Romani (gypsy) origin are actually Hungarian, but this was a common mistake by composers of the time, and the work is no less thrilling for it. Premiered in 1878 in Leipzig, the showpiece is divided into four sections that are performed with no pause. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 2.2.0.0: Timp.Perc(1): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Solo Violin.