Violinist Roby Lakatos is a force of nature. Though practically unknown in America, his reputation in Europe is immense and those fortunate enough to have heard him live routinely are spellbound by his remarkable virtuosity. Because of his populist leanings (his training owes more to salon or gypsy fiddling tradition than academia) some have compared him to Andre Rieu but that's ultimately only partially true. After listening to the Sirba in in E flat major or his stunning transcription of Liszt's 2nd Hungarian Rhapsody here for instance, comparisons with Nathan Milstein or Henryk Szeryng are far more apt.
C**N
The Best Violinist I have ever heard in any genre
And I am a violinist and guitarist and have heard them all. Tears ran down my face uncontrollably during the tango. This is really a man with a gift form god. I have not been so floored by any music so hard in a decade, maybe since I heard Dennis Matsuev (pianist) in Moscow. But this hits harder than that even. As much as I love his classical side, its the jazz side that stands out above anything for me. Someone like David Garret wishes he could mix genres like this. Marc O'Connor was my previous standard for a crossover musician but as amazing as Marc is this is a level beyond. I will own everything he has ever recorded ASAP. When his Gypsy and Classical training and amazing chops and tone inform his jazz its just not of this world. The tone alone separates him from anyone else even when he is not ripping notes.Seeing him play on youtube he is so relaxed and happy, just in rapture.This is what music is meant to be.
D**S
Lakatos and Hungarian Dances
Bramhs's Hungarian dances have always had a special place in my musical preferences, and when I heard the good reviews of this Hungarian violinist, I jumped at the opportunity to hear a yet new version of these inmortal pieces. Lakatos's interpretation is like nothing I've ever heard before: Virtuosismo in the classical tradition, with jazz and gypsy spontaneity, both worlds meshing effortlessly in a fluid cascade of sound.
B**D
Five Stars
EXCELLENT!!!
S**N
Roby Lakatos
I caught this group at the Istanbul International Music Festival this spring. What a unique sound - gypsy, jazz, Hungarian. This album exemplifies the music. Love the piano player in particular.
D**O
Live from Budapest Roby Lakatos
Excellent CD (Live)very good sound considering it is recorded live. Very good choice of the songs. Only five musicians but they sound like ten. Whatever Roby Lakatos CD you buy you will enjoy the music and atmosphere they created.
K**Y
A Wonderful Artist
Violin is such a wonderful instrument, but to hear this instrument played by Roby Lakatos elevates you to a whole new level of appreciation for the violin. What a talent this man has which he displays admirably on this CD recorded live in Budapest. You feel of the vastness of his skill as he plays well known Sirba in in E flat major or his stunning transcription of Liszt's 2nd Hungarian Rhapsody and then changes pace by playing in an almost haunting way, the well known song from Fiddler on the Roof, 'Sunrise Sunset'. I could not believe what I was hearing when I first heard him play one morning at 4am on a Classical FM station. I was riveted to the FM station as they played the whole concert and I didn't go to sleep even at that hour until the concert was over. This is a wonderful CD which I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone who loves diversity in violin playing.
M**
Great artist. Simply extraordinary
Roby Lakatos is an extraordinary violinist. His virtuosity is outstanding. Great musicality, great sound... Phenomenal!!! Enjoy This great CD recorded in live.
9**9
ジプシャンでジャジーなセッション
クラシックのプレイヤーだと思って購入したらこのアルバムは違いました。素晴らしいテクニックは感じますが、私が期待したバルカンのムードや東欧の情感は感じられませんでした。ライブで聞けば素晴らしいジプシャンジャズなんでしょうが、CDになってみると凡庸です。
