This album features works by Camille Saint-Saëns, including Violin Concerto No. 2 in C major, Op. 58, Spartacus Overture, and La Muse et le poète, performed by Jean-Jacques Kantorow (violin and conductor) and Torleif Thedéen (cello) with the Tapiola Sinfonietta.
Saint-Saëns' Violin Concerto No. 2, written in 1858, is an early but substantial work that foreshadows his later concertos. It stands out for its sophisticated orchestration and technically demanding solo passages, particularly in the virtuosic cadenza. Despite its brilliance, the concerto remained overshadowed by his more famous Violin Concerto No. 3.
The Spartacus Overture, composed in 1863 for a play about the legendary gladiator, is an intense and dramatic orchestral piece, blending Mendelssohnian overture styles with elements of Liszt’s symphonic poems. The overture captures the defiance, struggle, and tragic downfall of Spartacus.
La Muse et le poète, written in 1909-10, is a lyrical dialogue between violin, cello, and orchestra. Originally conceived as a trio, it later evolved into a poetic and expressive piece, symbolizing the contrast and eventual unity between inspiration (the Muse) and human struggle (the Poet).
This recording brings out the brilliance and emotional depth of Saint-Saëns’ music, highlighting his ability to balance virtuosity with refined orchestral textures.
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