New Omni Foundation Videos: Laura Lootens Plays Rochberg’s Caprice Variations

The Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts has released another set as part of their On-Location video series. This time, the focus is on German guitarist Laura Lootens, who recorded two caprices by George Rochberg: Caprice Variations No. 27 (Aria) and Caprice Variations No. 2 (Presto). The Omni Foundation is officially supported by Guitar Salon International.

Composed in 1970, Rochberg’s Caprice Variations were originally written for solo, unaccompanied violin and are based on Niccolò Paganini’s well-known Caprice No. 24. Rochberg uses the famous theme as a point of departure, moving through sharply contrasting historical styles and expressive worlds. The work functions both as a technical challenge and as a reflection on musical tradition and modern musical language.

Laura's performances bring out the contrast between the two selected movements: the lyrical nature of No. 27 (Aria) and the intensity of No. 2 (Presto).

You can watch both videos below.