Saint-Saëns wrote three concertos, a handful of showpieces, and two sonatas for the violin. In his Violin Sonata in D minor, written in 1885, lyricism is combined with sheer bravura and a last movement that could be considered one of the most exciting in the repertoire.
Throughout the work, the interplay between the important lines exchanged by the violin and the piano are quite seamless. The work opens with an undercurrent of tension led by the piano, taken over by the violin and then returned again to the piano. Neither instrument dominates; rather, the piece requires keen ensemble awareness and virtuosity from both performers.
There are four movements, the first two and the last two each played without a break. The characteristics of the first two movements most prominently display the musical maturity of the performers, alternating between moods of agitation, alacrity, ecstasy, and reflection. The third movement is in a minuet-like triple-meter and is without any flowering: simple and elegant. When the finale starts, however, the motion is unstoppable. While there are occasional moments of tuneful calm, the music moves at a consistent, forward pace, and the piece gains momentum until the very end. The final section, which is played in simultaneous octaves by the two instruments, heightens the intensity of excitement bringing the work to a fiery conclusion. (Program note by Midori.)
Classical Music | Violin Music
Camille Saint-Saëns
Sonata No. 1 in d minor for Violin and Piano, Op. 75 Play
Recorded on 06/27/2012, uploaded on 11/29/2012
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
Saint-Saëns wrote three concertos, a handful of showpieces, and two sonatas for the violin. In his Violin Sonata in D minor, written in 1885, lyricism is combined with sheer bravura and a last movement that could be considered one of the most exciting in the repertoire.
Throughout the work, the interplay between the important lines exchanged by the violin and the piano are quite seamless. The work opens with an undercurrent of tension led by the piano, taken over by the violin and then returned again to the piano. Neither instrument dominates; rather, the piece requires keen ensemble awareness and virtuosity from both performers.
There are four movements, the first two and the last two each played without a break. The characteristics of the first two movements most prominently display the musical maturity of the performers, alternating between moods of agitation, alacrity, ecstasy, and reflection. The third movement is in a minuet-like triple-meter and is without any flowering: simple and elegant. When the finale starts, however, the motion is unstoppable. While there are occasional moments of tuneful calm, the music moves at a consistent, forward pace, and the piece gains momentum until the very end. The final section, which is played in simultaneous octaves by the two instruments, heightens the intensity of excitement bringing the work to a fiery conclusion. (Program note by Midori.)
More music by Camille Saint-Saëns
Allegretto Moderato, from Sonata No. 1 in d minor for Violin and Piano, Op. 75
Sonata No. 1 in d minor for Violin and Piano, Op. 75
The Swan
Carnival of the Animals
Cello Concerto no.2.op.119. 2.mv.Allegro non troppo
Cello Concerto no.2 op.119. 1.mv.Allegro moderato e maestoso,Andante sostenuto
Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Carnival of the Animals The Swan
Piano Concerto No. 2 in g minor, Op. 22
Performances by same musician(s)
Scherzo for Violin and Piano in c minor, WoO posth. 2 (from F.A.E. Sonata)
Passacaglia for Violin and Viola
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