Felipe Libón: 30 Violin Caprices [World Premiere Recording]

IBS Classical presents 30 Caprices by Felipe Libón, a World Premiere Complete Recording of one of the most fascinating and overlooked violin collections of the early nineteenth century. Performed by the distinguished violinist Mario Pérez, this album not only revives a forgotten gem of violin literature but also stands as a model of artistic research—a bridge between historical discovery and living interpretation. Felipe Libón, a Cádiz-born violinist of French origin and disciple of Giovanni Battista Viotti, was celebrated across Europe for his refined tone, expressive phrasing, and technical innovation. A contemporary of Paganini, Libón’s artistry combined the elegance of the Classical style with the emerging Romantic virtuosity. His 30 Caprices, published by Ricordi in 1818 and dedicated “to the celebrated Viotti,” display a remarkable variety of character and technical challenge, anticipating many pedagogical aspects later formalized by Kreutzer and Rode. Yet, despite their quality and originality, the Caprices remained largely forgotten—until now. Through this recording, Mario Pérez seeks to answer a revealing question: why are Libón’s Caprices so little known? His response is both intellectual and musical. Combining rigorous research with deeply expressive performance, Pérez unveils a sound world of extraordinary richness, recorded on a violin crafted by Andrea Castagneri (1696–1747)—a contemporary of Stradivari whose instruments are prized for their warm, luminous tone. The result is a vibrant and historically informed interpretation that reconnects us with the voice of a violinist who bridged two centuries of musical evolution. Recognized for his versatility and precision, Mario Pérez Blanco is Associate Principal of the Spanish National Orchestra, a member of the Trío Musicalis, and former professor at the Aragon Higher Conservatory of Music and the Universidad Internacional de Valencia. His career reflects a deep commitment to exploring both forgotten repertoire and contemporary creation, uniting technical mastery with expressive depth. Recorded at the Auditorio Manuel de Falla in May 2024 and produced by Paco Moya, this album captures the clarity, elegance, and emotional resonance that define Libón’s unique musical legacy. As musicologist Dr. Sofía Martínez Villar writes in the booklet, “history and analysis are fundamental to revealing forgotten works, but it is only through sound—when it combines rigor and emotion—that music truly reaches us.” With 30 Caprices, Mario Pérez offers not only a revelation of a neglected master but also a profound reflection on the violin’s expressive power and its evolving art.

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Mario Pérez, Violin