August Fryderyk Duranowski (1770-1834) and Antonio Lolli (c.1725-1802) were both important violinists and composers of the 18th century.

Duranowski was strongly supported by the Polish noble family of the Ogiński, who financed his training with the famous violinist Giovanni Battista Viotti in Paris.

Despite the temporal overlaps and stylistic similarities, there are no known direct connections between the Duranowski and Lolli, but interesting similarities and possible influences can be identified, such as the fact that both were outstanding virtuosos of their time.

Antonio Lolli was known for his technical skills and his innovative contributions to violin playing technique, which laid the foundations for the modern violin style. Duranowski was also a brilliant virtuoso whose playing and compositions significantly influenced the development of violin music. His works are even said to have inspired Nicolò Paganini.

Young violinist Bartłomiej Fraś was born in 1997 in Katowice, Poland and studied at Karol Szymanowski Music Academy in Katowice. He participated in many violin competitions, winning many awards including the 1st prize and special award for the best performance of Paganini composition at 'Young Paganini 2016' International Violin Competition in Legnica, Poland.

Also on violin for this recording is Martyna Pastuszka - musical entrepreneur, conductor, soloist, chamber musician, founder, and artistic director of {oh!} Orkiestra, with whom she regularly performs. She collaborates as concertmaster with Raphaël Pichon's Pygmalion Ensemble and Teodor Currentzis's Utopia Orchestra. She has performed with esteemed ensembles as concertmaster, soloist, or chamber musician, including Le Concert de la Loge, Concerto Copenhagen, Hofkapelle München, Collegium Vocale Gent, Le Parlement de Musique, and AUKSO.