Presents
Pablo de Sarasate
Navarra for 2 Violins and Piano, Op.33
Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) was born in the Spanish town of Pamplona in the region of Spain known as Navarra. He studied violin locally and at the Paris Conservatory with Delphin Alard and subsequently became one of the most famous violin soloists of the late 19th century.
Navarra was composed in 1889 and originally was scored for two violins and piano. It was subsequently arranged for 2 violins and orchestra and became better known in that version. The work is a tribute to the province of Navarra. It is in the style of a quick step dance known as the Jota, native to northern Spain and Navarra in particular. For the most part, the violins play in parallel thirds with rhythmic unisons. The piano provides minimal accompaniment. Neither violin is favored over the other. The work bristles with the use of harmonics, double and triple stops, tremolos, left hand pizzicato and a duo cadenza, making it a true showcase for virtuosity. The music captures the spirit and rhymthic vitality of the Jota.
A tour d'force, however, this is obviously not a work for beginners. Audiences are invariably thrilled by it.
Parts: $14.95
