Saint-Saens: Concertos for violin in Bm; Lalo: Symphonie espagnole in Dm

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Saint-Saëns's reputation rests on a few popular works--Danse Macabre, Symphony No. 3, The Carnival of the Animals--but his output was far more vast and varied than most people realize. The Third Violin Concerto is one of the great Romantic masterpieces for the instrument, yet it's much less popular than it once was. Whatever the reasons, they certainly aren't Itzhak Perlman's fault, for he simply plays the daylights out of both this piece and Lalo's ever popular Symphonie espagnole. I'm always amazed, when listening to the Saint-Saëns composition, just how well-written it is, and how good it always sounds. Perhaps his level of sheer craftsmanship was so high that people lose sight of the music's genuine inspiration. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Symphonie espagnole, Op.21: 1. Allegro non troppo
Symphonie espagnole, Op.21: 2. Scherzando: Allegro molto
Symphonie espagnole, Op.21: 3. Intermezzo: Allegretto non troppo
Symphonie espagnole, Op.21: 4. Andante
Symphonie espagnole, Op.21: 5. Rondo: Allegro
Concert For Violin No. 3 B Minor, Op.61: 1. Allegro non troppo
Concert For Violin No. 3 B Minor, Op.61: 2. Andantino quasi allegretto
Concert For Violin No. 3 B Minor, Op.61: Molto moderato e maestoso - Allegro non troppo - Piu allegro
Reverrie et Caprice, Op. 8: Romance: Adagio - Allegro vivace - Adagio - Allegro vivace - Vivo

Amazon.com

Saint-Saëns's reputation rests on a few popular works--Danse Macabre, Symphony No. 3, The Carnival of the Animals--but his output was far more vast and varied than most people realize. The Third Violin Concerto is one of the great Romantic masterpieces for the instrument, yet it's much less popular than it once was. Whatever the reasons, they certainly aren't Itzhak Perlman's fault, for he simply plays the daylights out of both this piece and Lalo's ever popular Symphonie espagnole. I'm always amazed, when listening to the Saint-Saëns composition, just how well-written it is, and how good it always sounds. Perhaps his level of sheer craftsmanship was so high that people lose sight of the music's genuine inspiration. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Somewhere in the middle.......2005-06-03

I am not a fan of Perlman and have seen him live and been very disappointed, but I disagree with the review that this CD was horrible. I found the music to be well performed by both Perlman and the Paris Orchestra. I do beleive that Perlman is not the master everyone wants or beleives him to be, but he did a good job with this recording. While not a must has for a collection of the greatest recordings, the CD would make a fine addition to most collections.

Vacuity in virtuosity.......2000-09-02

I'm often accused of being an extreme apologist for the Gallican aesthetic, but I'm really justified in taking this release to task.

I'm not asking that Perlman and Barenboim perform like Thibaud and Paray, but I would expect them to at least give a nod in that direction. Perlman simply lapses into virtuoso vacuity, especially in the Lalo, there's an overuse of rubato, and an irritating sense of his playing down to his material. No one plays down to Saint Saens, for example, and gets away with it. Perlman's runthrough is disfigured and empty with a "look Ma, no hands" kind of brattiness that no old parisienne would put up with. No trip to the patisserie for you, Fifi.

Barenboim waggles away and lets his out-of-sorts ensemble play about any way it wants to. He knows Perlman is hard to control and doesn't even try. Why should he?--his and Perlman's name on the release will make tons of francs no matter how slovenly things get. He didn't really want this City of Light job anyway.

The Berlioz comes off best here, but among the fine songfulness and lyricism Perlman's rubati are so maudlin that a second-rate work isn't really given a chance.

For fine listening of these works, try Amoyal and Paray in the Lalo for its completeness, cleanliness and Gallic effervesence; a ton of good Saint Saens #3s but I single out Ricci and Elman particularly, and the wonderful advocacy of Francescatti for the Berlioz.

I love the Intermezzo, from the Symphonie Espagnol!!!!.......1999-09-03

Perlman Plays it soooooooo well!Yu

Saint-Saens: Concertos for violin in Bm; Lalo: Symphonie espagnole in Dm

Average customer rating:

Absolutely spellbinding Saint-Saens

Saint-Saens: Concertos for violin in Bm; Lalo: Symphonie espagnole in Dm

Manufacturer: Allegretto
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000DN5I
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely spellbinding Saint-Saens.......2005-07-03

I simply cannot believe this recording is still unreviewed. It has been around for at least 15 years. Aaron Rosand is not a household name in the classical music world. However, he is without a doubt, one of the greatest violinists I have ever heard. The Saint-Saens 3rd Concerto is one of my favorite works, especially the gypsy finale, which, in my opinion, is extremely seductive. This is my favorite violin concerto recording of all time. The passion that both soloist and conductor bring to this music is incredible. The finale is especially breathtaking. The Lalo work is also done quite well but not on the level of the Saint-Saens. Although this recording appears not to be available any longer, it can still be purchased through private sellers here at Amazon. I urge you buy a copy. You will love it.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

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