ARIA – LUKA FAULISI

Luka Faulisi’s debut album, “Aria,” is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 20 years old, this French-Serbian-Italian violinist has already earned high praise from the celebrated Israeli-American virtuoso, Pinchas Zukerman, who described Faulisi as having a “million-dollar sound.” After listening to this album, one can certainly understand why Zukerman’s endorsement is well-founded.

“Aria” features movements from both obscure and popular romantic operas, showcasing Faulisi’s remarkable talent and versatility. Collaborating with world-class pianist Itamar Golan, known for his association with Maxim Vengerov, the duo brings an unparalleled energy and spirit to the classical music repertoire.

One highlight of the album is the Carmen Fantasie: Prélude, which Faulisi performs with a dazzling display of technical prowess and an infectious sense of playfulness. This vivacious rendition challenges the notion that classical music must be overly serious and instead presents it as a delightful and thrilling experience.

Faulisi’s repertoire on this album is carefully curated, and each piece is delivered with utmost sensitivity and emotional depth. From the fervent and passionate rendering of Franz Waxman’s Carmen Fantasy, popularized by Jascha Heifetz, to the haunting beauty of Henryk Wieniawski’s Fantasia on Themes from Gounod’s ‘Faust,’ the listener is taken on a captivating journey through various operatic landscapes.

An unexpected gem on “Aria” is “Roxana’s Song” from Karol Szymanowski’s opera King Roger, arranged by Paul Kochanski. Faulisi’s heartfelt interpretation of this less-familiar piece reveals his ability to breathe new life into hidden gems of the classical music world.

The album also includes pieces such as Efrem Zimbalist’s fantasy on melodies from Rimsky-Korsakov’s fairytale opera Le Coq D’or and Leopold Auer’s arrangement of “Lensky’s Aria” from Tchaikovsky’s opera Eugene Onegin, all of which Faulisi performs with immense skill and maturity.

The emotional depth of Faulisi’s performance is most evident in the tender introduction to Gounod’s Faust. The sheer beauty of his phrasing and the heartfelt expression he brings to this piece alone make “Aria” a must-listen.

Beyond his technical brilliance, Faulisi’s command of Eastern European violin styles is particularly impressive, hinting at a seasoned musician performing well beyond his years. It is worth noting that he is currently a student of professor Pavel Berman at the Accademia Lorenzo Perosi in Biella, Italy, which makes his debut even more remarkable.

“Aria” is undeniably one of the strongest debuts in recent memory. Luka Faulisi’s performance is simply breathtaking, and he embodies the true essence of classical music with his lyrical phrasing and emotional resonance. This young violinist has a promising future ahead, and “Aria” is a testament to his immense talent and potential. Listening to this album is akin to witnessing a rising star in the classical music world, and it’s an experience worth cherishing. Faulisi indeed sounds like a million bucks, and his “Aria” is a triumphant celebration of his artistry.