Classical Music | Violin Music

Recorded on 05/29/2007, uploaded on 01/23/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 75          Camille Saint-Saëns

Allegro agitato; Joyeusete; Vision congolaise;  Premice

French composer Camille Saint-Saëns was a pianist, not a violinist, but wrote numerous effective works for the violin. Among them are three concertos, several showpieces, and two sonatas. A Romantic composer, all of his works contain passionate highs and lows, sentimental melodic lines, and yet a coolness that would later influence other French composers, including his own pupil, Gabriel Fauré.

Saint-Saens's Sonata in D minor was written in 1885. In this work, he was able to integrate the violin and piano parts such that they not only play off of each other but also substantially support each other during bravura passages. The work is divided into four movements, the first two movements and last two movements of which are played without pause. The first movement introduces a stirring, brewing melodic line that is interrupted at times by a calm and serene, almost reflective melody. The movement winds down and melts into a luscious, passionate second movement that evolves from deeply sentimental to nostalgic flutters of sound.

A pause is needed before the next movement, whose character is completely different from that of the previous two movements. The third movement is whimsical, at times seeming unclear as to where the melody line might go next. This is most evident in the final chords of this movement, in which the piano plays a series of leading notes that seem to be suspended endlessly, until it is finally resolved when the violin breaks the mystery, diving into the last movement with vigor and continuously playing at a fast pace to heighten the excitement. The movement ends with incredible intensity from both violinist and pianist, drawing this exhilarating work to a close.      Christina Castelli

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.