Ennio Bolognini: Serenata del Gaucho
The first time I heard *Serenata del Gaucho*, I was immediately struck by its beauty and its deep connection to the folk traditions of Argentina. Though unfamiliar with Ennio Bolognini at the time, the music felt like home. When I later discovered there was no violin transcription, I kept the idea of playing it in the back of my mind.
During my Fulbright sabbatical in Spain, I reconnected with an old friend, Luciano Di Renzo, who generously transcribed the piece for violin. Learning and recording it was both a technical challenge and a personal journey. The intricate pizzicato techniques required to imitate the guitar pushed me into new territory, and the music’s rhythms and melodies transported me back to Argentina.
This recording is more than just a performance—it’s a tribute to Bolognini’s legacy and a way to bring this remarkable piece to new audiences. Through it, I hope to share both the technical brilliance and the emotional depth of Serenata del Gaucho. Read More
Listen Album
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The joyful virtuosity and stylish musicianship that Tomas Cotik and Tao Lin brought to their superb cycle of Schubert’s violin-and-piano works for the Centaur label happily permeate their cycle of Mozart’s sonatas
Gramophone Magazine
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The comparison of the 4 Seasons with the legendary recording of the Kremerata Baltica and Gidon Kremer is not quite so blatant, but in the end I still prefer the Cotik recording because of its rhythm and its colors, which are more genuine, richer and more finely differentiated than what I hear in the Kremer recordin
Pizzicato
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It was clear that the Argentinian-born Cotik has Piazzolla’s music in his blood. It was to be expected that he would be able to exploit everything that these arrangements require technically. But more importantly, he knew how to capture the spirit of the music, from subtle sensuality and longing to fierce passion and supreme virtuosity.
Pizzicato
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These are exactly what you would expect from Cotik–tasteful and well played.
American Record Guide
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His interpretation of Bach’s sonatas and partitas his newest album in should add a notch to his reputation as a stellar violinist
NORTHWEST REVERB
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Tomás Cotik delivers an excellent performance
GBOPERA
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Overall, these two discs featuring Cotik must be regarded as among the finest performances for their consistent artistry and idiomatic grasp
Classical Net
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should leave listeners almost breathless…a vibrancy and attention to detail…strong individuality and vitality
Fanfare Magazine
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Cotik scales Bach’s solo mountain with skill. His intricate yet soulful take is assured without ever being showy.
BBC Magazine
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true treasure…one of the latest gems to emerge from the season
John Terauds – Musical Toronto