‘A vast expressive range’: violinist Stanislav Pronin performs Der Rosenkavalier on Heifetz’s violin

Canadian violinist Stanislav Pronin performs his Fantasy on Themes from Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier with pianist Jure Gorucan.

Opera afficionados and symphonic enthusiasts will be familiar with the rich orchestral textures and virtuosic elements of Strauss’ epic opera Der Rosenkavalier, which premiered in 1911. How did Pronin arrange these themes into the relatively intimate duo setting of violin and piano? 

’When creating a fantasy, transcription, or set of variations on themes by another composer, I believe it is essential to preserve the spirit and fundamental architecture of the original work,’ says Pronin.

’In Der Rosenkavalier, there is an abundance of extraordinarily beautiful material, so the greater challenge was not what to include, but what to leave out. I sought to capture the opera’s lyricism, wit, and emotional depth while ensuring that the transitions between sections remained fluid and organic. 

’My aim was for the work to feel cohesive and inevitable – as though Strauss himself might have conceived it in this form. In many ways, the violin and piano become protagonists, engaging in a dialogue that reflects the elegance and humanity of the opera’s characters.’

Pronin performs on the 1736 ‘Heifetz’ Guarneri del Gesù violin, on generous loan by an anonymous patron, with the assistance of the China Foundation. Pronin recalls at the age of four, hearing a recording of Jascha Heifetz which made an indelible impression of him, sparking his lifelong love for the violin.

’I could never have imagined that, years later, I would have the extraordinary honour of performing on his very own instrument,’ he says. 

’I remain profoundly grateful to the China Foundation for entrusting me with this magnificent violin, which continues to inspire me with its limitless palette of colors and emotional depth.

What is it like to play an instrument that was formerly in the hands of such an influential master of the violin? Pronin says ’From the first moment I played it, I felt both awe and humility. There is a certain gravitas in holding an instrument that has been the voice of such a legendary artist. Over time, that initial reverence evolved into a deep and intimate relationship – one built on trust, discovery, and shared expression.’

Pronin is no stranger to playing on many of the world’s finest instruments, including violins by Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù. He says that many Stradivari instruments have a distinct personality which tend to guide or dictate how they wish to be played by the performer. 

’By contrast, the ”Heifetz” del Gesù, despite its unique character, allows me to shape and command the sound entirely according to my will,’ says Pronin.

’It is remarkably responsive: capable of sustaining the most delicate pianissimo without fragility, yet also withstanding great intensity and pressure without ever losing clarity or depth.

’That extraordinary equilibrium – between brilliance and warmth, power and refinement – is what sets this instrument apart. It possesses an inner life that seems to respond to every nuance of thought and touch, offering a vast expressive range that few violins in the world can match.’

Pronin has performed as soloist and chamber musician at many festivals including Verbier Festival, Interlaken Classics, Banff Festival and Kronberg Festival. He performs regularly in America, Europe and Asia in such venues as Berliner Philharmonie, Carnegie Hall, Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, Seoul Arts Center, Salzburg Festspiele, Paris Philharmonie, Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall in London, Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, Semperoper in Dresden, among others. 

He regularly gives masterclasses worldwide and in such institutions as the Royal College of Music in London, Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Estonian Academy of Music and Theater, University of Texas at Austin, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou and has been assistant to his mentor, professor Zakhar Bron, at the Kronberg Academy. He is currently a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen.

Learn more about Stanislav Pronin on his website and follow him on Instagram.