Sarasate was a child prodigy, entering the Paris Conservatoire at age twelve with a scholarship and winning first prizes for violin, solfège, and harmony.
Composer Biography
Pablo Sarasate, the great Spanish violinist, was born in Pamplona in 1844 and began his concert career by age fifteen.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sarasate wrote many works for violin and piano or violin and orchestra, often based on Spanish themes and rhythms, and concert fantasies on popular opera themes.
Performer Biography
Tianwa Yang, the violinist on this recording, was described as 'A Pride Of China' by Hong Kong media and recorded Paganini's 24 Caprices at age thirteen, making her the youngest interpreter of the work.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sarasate refused to play Brahms's Violin Concerto, claiming its only proper melody was given to the oboe.
Critical Reception
Despite his mastery of violin writing, Sarasate has been criticized as a composer, but this album series aims to show he was a great melodist.
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