“Yankee Doodle” Souvenir d’Amérique, Op. 17- Henri Vieuxtemps【Violin Performance】｜Eimi Wakui
“Souvenir d’Amérique ‘Yankee Doodle’, Op.17” is a work composed by Vieuxtemps during his visit to the United States. He undertook a tour of America, where he encountered American folk music, and was particularly impressed by the traditional American military song “Yankee Doodle.” Based on this folk song, he created “Souvenir d’Amérique,” which is said to express his memories of his visit to America through music. “Yankee Doodle” is widely known in Japan with the Japanese lyrics titled “Alps Ichimanshaku” and is a familiar tune that almost everyone has heard at least once.
This piece is a masterpiece that blends American folk music with the form of European classical music. It begins with a brilliant and technical violin solo, followed by the introduction of a bright and approachable theme. The piece then unfolds with technical variations, including speedy passages, dazzling trills, and harmonics, all leading to a splendid climax.
Henri Vieuxtemps (1820–1881) was a Belgian violinist and composer. He was an important figure in 19th-century Romantic music, known particularly for his exceptional skills as a violinist and his rich body of works, including violin concertos. In addition to his success as a performer, he was highly regarded as a composer, leaving behind many famous works for the violin.
This piece, themed around a bright, glamorous, and universally loved song, was chosen as the first piece for 2025. I hope you enjoy it!
Piano: Alexey Sychev
#classicalmusic #violin #yankeedoodle #vieuxtemps #violinist
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