Ivan Yevstafyevich Khandoshkin (1747 - 1804) was a Russian Empire violinist and composer of Ukrainan Cossack origin. He has been described as the finest Russian violinist of the eighteenth century.
Khandoshkin extant works comprise six violin sonatas and several variation cyclces based on folk songs. His music (primarily for the violin) is comparable to music by his contemporaries such as Giuseppe Tartini's student, Antonio Lolli, Gaetano Pugnani, and Ludwig Spohr.
Anastasia Khitruk's performances are virtuosic and colourful. The clear phrasing, rhythmic verve, and imaginative playing recreate Catherine's court and Khandoshkin's music with a vivacity the composer himself would have envied.
Review
Most listeners will never have heard the name Ivan Khandoshkin (1747-1804), but violinist Anastasia Khitruk has admirably undertaken to bring this little-known solo-violin repertoire to wider attention. Published in the early years of the 19th century, Khandoshkin's Op. 3 sonatas show the influences we might expect, given the composer's exposure to a court musical environment that included musicians from Italy, Germany, and France. As court soloist and Kapellmeister for Catherine the Great Khandoshkin apparently was a highly regarded and accomplished performer--and as these compositions show, he also was very adept at creating works that seem perfectly designed for the purpose of entertaining his audience. ...violin aficionados will be very interested in hearing these pieces, and anyone who appreciates dynamic, virtuoso instrumental playing of any kind will enjoy Khitruk's flashy, fiery style and impeccable technique. Outstanding! - Classics Today 5/5
