It is evident in the Concertante music of Pablo de Sarasate, as with the Concertos of Niccolo Paganini, these works are purely to showcase the monster abilities of the virtuoso.
I think Sarasate may be more convincing than Paganini, if only than for his Spanish, as well as other cultures', exoticisms.
But music for entertainment does not equate to worth, it just shifts the attention from the art of composition to the virtuosity of the violin soloist.
Yet, I was more attracted to Sarasate's shorter, one-movement pieces than his longer Opera Fantasies which showcase the virtuosity. I think they better encapsulate the composer's abilities as both composer and performer in much better balance.
As much of a headline as a set of Pablo de Sarasate's orchestrated violin concertante works is, it is the playing of Tianwa Yang which brings the listener in. It almost didn't in the first volume, but I think the sonic balance of her violin was improved in the later entries, and while the music is variable, her dedication, technique, and musicality never is.
As with the Naxos set of Leroy Anderson's Orchestral Works, I wonder if this 4CD set could have been squeezed into 3. Most of the volumes are around 50 minutes, except for the longer fourth volume. Ah well...
A review from 2024
What a fabulous set of rarely recorded violin music from Pablo de Sarasate, especially as here in their orchestral guise instead of the more oft performed piano accompaniment.
Most of the works on this 4CD set are showstopping virtuoso encore numbers, less concerned about the art of composition in lieu of dazzling violin lyricism and fireworks. This fact doesn’t make Sarasate’s music any less interesting or worthwhile, they are just lighter and geared towards entertainment. With this in mind, I think Sarasate excels in his shorter pieces more than the longer ones, such as the many Opera Potpourris he composed.
Sarasate has a strong Spanish voice in his music, an exotic flair that doesn’t overdo it with percussive effects, but instead spotlights the violin at every chance he can. Plus, the composer explores Scotland and Ireland amongst some original works, and he does so solidly, I think. The orchestra gets fair little to do throughout, however, but is always an able supporter of the violin soloist.
I find it interesting that Chinese violinist Tianwa Yang, at around 20 years old in these recordings, chose Sarasate instead of flashier big hitter composers for an early recording series. She certainly is persuasive, and I am delighted to hear from a little-known composer/virtuoso. Yang’s technique is assured; she has some of the finest harmonics I have ever heard, and her multiple stops are excellent. The Naxos sounds captures these extra effects, plus her pizzicato, in excellent sound.
Really if you are wanting to explore Violin Concertante Works in the vein of Niccolo Paganini, I think Pablo de Sarasate, especially with Yang in his sails, does one better than that Italian master of the violin.
Listen on YouTube
Works
Volume 1 (53.46)
Volume 2 (58.22)
Volume 3 (58.50)
Volume 4 (67.08)
Performers
Tianwa Yang, violin
Navarra Symphony Orchestra
Ernest Martínez Izquierdo, conductor
Label: Naxos
Year: 2015
Total Timing: 3.58.06
A terrific set to explore music by a Spanish composer/virtuoso.
If you enjoy the concertos of Paganini, this is any easy follow up.
Better yet, the playing of Tianwa Yang.
Find more recordings of Sarasate HERE!
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