Saint-Saëns: Concertante Roundup

 

Havanaise
Caprice Andalou
Morceau de Concert
Romance in C Major
Introduction and Rondo Capriccio


EMI's set of Saint-Saëns Violin Concertos from German violinist Ulf Hoelscher has never been out of print it seems. I added even more cover art at the very bottom of this blog post, and those are just some of the CD iterations.

Recorded in 1977, this was the first major set of the French composer's violin concertante works put together. Ulf Hoelscher, was prized for his deep expression in Saint-Saëns, with no lack of virtuosity. Certainly, he and Pierre Dervaux leading the New Philharmonia Orchestra capture the exotic corner of Spain in these encore chestnuts. If Africa is devilishly outgoing, the Havanaise prefers the siesta as its main feature. This is continued into Caprice Andalous, and even the non-location specific pieces bear a certain modal quality.

While the sonics still remain satisfactory, they are hardly state of the art anymore. It is the orchestra which lacks modern presence, with the winds flung to the back of the stage, yet the solo violin prowls edgily to the front.

Africa
Allegro Appassionato
Wedding Cake: Valse-Caprice

I don't know if it is these specific compositions or the handling of the music by these specific performers, but this was thrilling listening. Africa takes no prisoners at the hands of Alexandre Kantorow, and the exotic flavors are strong coming from Jean-Jacques Kantorow leading his Finnish band. What a treat!

The rest come off similarly, even if Saint-Saëns maintains a little more propriety in his music. Certainly the Kantorow's will have none of it as far as underplaying is concerned, making these works come to life regardless.

I have heard nothing but good things regarding Kantorow's set of Piano Concertos, and if these miniature encore pieces are of any measure, listeners would do well to pick them up.

Recording Roundup

Caprice Andalou, op. 122
Havanaise, op. 83
Introduction and Rondo Capriccio, op. 28
Morceau de Concert, op. 62
Romance in C Major, op. 47
Romance in D-flat Major, op. 38
     Ulf Hoelscher, violin
  New Philharmonia Orchestra
  Pierre Dervaux, conductor
  EMI; 1977



Africa, op. 89
Allegro Appassionato, op. 70
Wedding Cake: Valse-Caprice, op. 76
     Alexandre Kantorow, piano
  Tapiola Sinfonietta
  Jean-Jacques Kantorow, conductor
  BIS; 2022

Find more Saint-Saëns recordings HERE!