Saint-Saens: Violin Concerto No. 3 / Caprice Andalous

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Ah -- smart programming. It's as satisfying to see as it is to hear. While smartly programmed live performances will often feature one work of wide recognition and popularity to draw in the audience and then expose people to lesser-known works, so do well-considered CD programs. In this case, the "blockbuster" is Saint-Saëns' Third Violin Concerto, likely his most significant contribution to the violin repertoire. Of course it's not enough for a piece simply to be popular; it must also be performed well. Violinist Jean-Jacques Kantorow and the Tapiola Sinfonietta deliver a brilliant performance that is unlikely to disappoint. Kantorow's playing is elegant, powerful, and exciting. His palate of tone colors is quite varied, ranging from dark and sultry to sparkling and effortless. The orchestra provides an equally convincing effort, making its accompanimental role tight and energetic while always stepping to the side when the soloist reenters. This performance of Saint-Saëns' Third is definitely appropriate for first-time listeners and aficionados alike.
Now that the album has captured everyone's attention, it continues with a set of five miniatures also by Saint-Saëns -- two for violin and orchestra, two for piano and orchestra, and one for string orchestra alone. All of these works are equally as exciting, well-written, and worthy of attention as their more popular brethren. Especially in the case of the Op. 52 Caprice for violin and orchestra, listeners are exposed to a more modernistic side of Saint-Saëns' compositional style. The performances by both soloists and orchestra are every bit as proficient and captivating as the first work on the album.

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