Classical Editor: Rob Barnett


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Reviews from other months
C. SAINT-SAËNS. Violin Concertos Nos. 1-3.   Philippe Graffin: violin BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Martyn Brabbins Hyperion CDA67074 75m DDD

 


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What an incredible treat! After dazzling and pampering all piano concerto lovers with their inestimable and inexhaustive treasure trove of romantic piano concertos, that ever enterprising Hyperion label turns to the violin concerto with aplomb. Treats are promised for all but this first issue of the major contributions to the genre by Camille Saient-Saens will provide ample rewards for the present. The ever enterprising Martyn Brabbins combines with Philippe Graffin for some memorable performances that match Ulf Hoeschler's previous complete minded excursions on EMI in the mid-70's.

Graffin is an accomplished and sensitive artist and this shows, especially in the short but interesting 1st Concerto. All themes are treated with beautiful sublimity and attacca, especially in the reprise of the Allegro. It would be difficult to understand why this 1st concerto lasts about 13 minutes whilst the other two works are full-blown concertos lasting half an hour each. The 2nd still remains a shamefully neglected work and here it might receive what is its best ever performance yet. There is passion and romanticism galore in the expansive first movement and a daredevil cadenza that has Graffin at the best of his powers. A lilting Andante espressivo is quite disarming whilst the romp and frolics in the Allegro scherzando are marvelously vivid throughout.

The same comments could be applied to the Third concerto, a tour-de-force of imagery and virtuosity throughout. A brisk and breezy Allegro con troppo is framed by a remarkably poetic Andantino that had me reaching for superlatives such is the beauty of Graffin's playing. All is complemented by an impressive Finale with the solemn introduction suitably brilliant and a dashing Allegro full of incident and power.

Comparing Ulf Hoeschler's striking accounts with the NPO under Dervaux revealed a certain sense of relief at hearing such alive performances from this Hyperion disc. The sound is perfectly balanced, a smooth and crystal clear violin although the orchestra is slightly backwardly balanced. There is however a host of works in that EMI set which Hyperion should investigate at a later stage perhaps. Right now I'm waiting for those Bruch Concertos, especially the Third one. Keep them coming!

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

See also Rob Barnett's review last month

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:



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