These generously filled CDs present sparkling performaces of Hubays epic Scnes de la csrda alongside his two sets of Pomes hongrois and provide their first complete recording. The Scnes are in the tradition of Liszts Hungarian Rhapsodies, Brahmss Hungarian Dances and Sarates Zigeunerweisen, and reflect the nineteenth centurys fondness for romanticized gypsy music as a worthy source of entertainment in middle-class salons and at aristocratic balls. Written over a period of some forty years, these fourteen perfectly crafted showpieces are dedicated individually to many of the periods most influential figures, several famous violin virtuosi among them. Passionate melodies and furious violinistic pyrotechnics combine to make this set into a classic of the genre. Hubays two sets of Pomes hongrois, written in 1885 and 1899 respectively, take further folk-like melodies and transform them into highly elaborate miniatures every bit as worthy of exploration as their more glamorous cousins, the Scnes. A comprehensive booklet includes music examples illustrating each of the innumerable melodies used by Hubay.