Of the nearly 50 people who attended the music recital held in the Creative Arts building last Sunday, some were entranced by the melody, others were awestruck by the talent and one woman in the front row was literally brought to tears.

SF State assistant professor Jassen Todorov and professor William Corbett-Jones played a stunning performance of violin and piano.

“I just forget about everything else when [Todorov] plays,” said Natalia Kouznetsova, whose son, Kirill, chose the university based on the violinist’s expertise.

“He’s a genius and an outstanding performer,” said graduate student Kirill Kouznetsova, 26, who graduated from SF State with a bachelor’s in music in 2006.

Todorov teaches courses in performance, literature, and career management for the School of Music and Dance. Since 2003, he and Corbett-Jones have made appearances throughout the United States and Europe. The concert was part of their successful partnership, and featured renditions of Mozart’s “Sonata in A Major,” Karol Szymanowski's “Three Transcriptions of Paganini Caprices,” and sonatas by Ravel and Eugene Ysaÿe.

The recital began with “Sonata in E Flat Major,” where Todorov and Corbett-Jones displayed give-and-take between the piano and violin, creating a musical dialogue between the two performers.

“Music is a language,” said Todorov. “I use [music] to speak.”

As the recital went on, Todorov’s pieces became more daring. During “Sonata No. 5,” his only solo performance, the sounds from his violin mimicked whispers and gasps for air. As the piece continued, Todorov became more energetic, delivering a more hectic, intense and wild tone.

“It was really, really good,” said Melanie Puckett, 17, a violinist from San Domenico High School. “I liked the interesting combinations of music.”

The performance exhibited contrasts between beautifully uplifting sounds and more vigorous numbers.

“Just incredible,” said 50-year-old pianist Suzanna Perez, in reaction to the performance.

Todorov first received global recognition in 1999 after his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York. Now at age 31, he has won many national and international competitions, including the 2006 Crystal Lyre award, Bulgaria’s highest achievement in dance and music.

According to Todorov, he hopes his performances will re-popularize classical music for students, faculty and “the community at large.”

“Human beings need culture and need to be exposed to great palettes of art,” said Todorov.

Todorov and Corbett-Jones will be performing year-round in both duo and solo acts, with hopes of extending music and culture to “all who are interested in the arts,” said Todorov.

In the spring, Todorov will be heading the first annual scholarship benefit concert for the School of Music and Dance, which will showcase the collaborative talents of faculty and student artists through chamber, orchestra, jazz and world music, as well as original compositions and choreography. All proceeds will go to support merit-based scholarships.

“It’s very easy to forget what our purpose is as teachers. It is important to serve students and benefit them as much as possible,” said Todorov. “Just like my teacher was an influence to me, I hope I am an influence to them.”

An upcoming performance with SF State student violinists is scheduled for March 14.