Though he wrote a number of pieces, including two operas and several chamber works, Antonio Bazzini is remembered chiefly for a single composition, La Ronde des Lutins, or "The Dance of the Goblins" - a so-called "scherzo fantastique" for violin and piano. And fantastic it is, too: the work is appropriately named, for it is both devilishly difficult and spritely in character. It quickly becomes apparent that Bazzini himself must have had a tremendous command of the violin! Calling for techniques such as ricochet bowing and left-hand pizzicato, it is a favorite violin showpiece that pushes performers to the limits of their abilities.

This edition for violin and piano is edited by Zino Francescatti. Published by the International Music Company.

Difficulty: ASTA grade 6

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