Pablo Sarasate refused to play Brahms's Violin Concerto, claiming its only proper melody was given to the oboe.
Performer Biography
Markus Hadulla, the pianist, won the prize for best Lieder accompanist at the Seventh International Hugo Wolf Competition in Stuttgart in 1994.
Composer Biography
Sarasate was extremely popular in Tsarist Russia, even playing solos during intermissions at the opera.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sarasate's music, described by violinist Carl Flesch as 'like a fresh, rosy-cheeked peasant girl,' is characterized by charm, elegance, passion, virtuosity, and imagination.
Historical Context
Opera was the most popular form of entertainment in the 19th century, leading instrumental composers to create brilliant opera fantasies.
Composer Biography
Pablo Sarasate, a Spanish violinist, entered the Paris Conservatoire at age twelve with a scholarship from Queen Isabella and the Province of Navarre.
Performer Biography
Tianwa Yang, the violinist on this album, made her European debut in Prague at age 13, playing Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto with the Czech Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra.
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Paganini & Schumann: 24 Caprices for Violin Solo, Op. 1
Sarasate: Danzas españolas; Navarra
Schubert: Rondo, Op. 70, Sonata, Op. 162, Fantasia, Op. 159 for Piano and Violin
Virtuoso Violin
My Favourite Paganini
Paganini: Hello Mr. Paganini
Opera Fantasies
Sarasate: Carmen Concert Fantasy, Op. 25, Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20 & Other Works
