This CD on the ARS PRODUKTION label features no fewer than eleven world premiere recordings from the pen of the great Belgian violinist and composer Henri Vieuxtemps (1820-1881), presented by five young violinists together with the Vogtland Philharmonic Orchestra under Simon Edelmann. The miniatures were written for personal use in concert, often as a supplement to large concertante forms. Some were published, but always in more easily marketable arrangements for violin and piano, with the violin part sometimes being toned down.

Coming into French and English from the Greek elegos ('lament'), an elegy (elegie) is a poetic or musical composition expressing sorrow or lamentation, typically mourning the loss of a loved one or reflecting on themes of grief and melancholy. Massenet's famous 'Clair de lune', presented here in an arrangement by the composer himself, envelops us in a dreamlike atmosphere, with the piano painting a delicate lunar landscape permeated by a subtle melancholy. The original is one of the most touching scenes in the opera Werther, when the protagonist feels his love for Charlotte rising within him. Contrary to popular belief, Ravel's Pavane pour une infante defunte is not dedicated to a departed soul. Rather, it is a nostalgic evocation of an imaginary childhood, rich in charm and mystery. Joseph Jemain's orchestration adds, if possible, further depth and suggestiveness to Ravel's music by introducing the piano into the ensemble, the protagonist of Ravel's original version. The violin and piano engage in a dialogue of deep contemplation in Saint-Saens's elegie in D, Op.143. The poignant melody and refined harmony express feelings of loss and consolation. This very intense and moving piece has secured an important place in the violin repertoire. The cello assumes the role of narrator in Faure's elegie, Op.24 recounting a story of pain and hope with great expressive intensity. A highly lyrical and touching piece, it is distinguished by it's expressive writing and singable melody. Debussy's Suite bergamasque transports us to a world of dreams and suggestions. Through four evocative dances with a Renaissance and Baroque flavour, the orchestra leads us on a musical journey rich in charm and delicacy. Wilhelm Renz's orchestration makes Debussy's picturesque music even more vivid. Renz is also the arranger of the Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals featured here. His orchestral version adds brilliance and colour to the composer's music while maintaining it's original spirit of fun and irony, streamlining the orchestration in some places and adding elements for a richer, more layered sound in others. Other information: - Recorded August 2023 in Anzio (Italy) - Booklet in English contains liner notes by Valerio Vicari and profiles of the orchestra and conductor - A beautiful program featuring French music from the turn of the 19/20th century, evoking a late-romantic and mildly impressionistic atmosphere in elegiac mood. - The works presented are Elegies by Saint-Saens (1835-1921), Faure (1845-1924), Vieuxtemps (1820-1881) and Massenet (1842-1912), the Suite Bergamasque by Debussy (1862-1918), Pavane by Ravel (1875-1937) and, to conclude in a more spirited mood, the Carnaval des Animaux by Saint-Saens. Several of the works are transcribed for an instrumental ensemble featuring flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello & double bass. - Sensuous and evocative performances by the Roma Tre Orchestra, conducted by Sieva Borzak.

Violist Marc Sabbah and pianist Eliane Reyes explore the beauty of the viola and piano repertoire together and have recorded their first album together, "Appassionalto". The theme is "The Romantic Era of the Viola". They recorded works by Robert Schumann, Manuel de Falla, Henri Vieuxtemps, and Frank Bridge. Eliane Reyes, born in Vervier, Belgium, is currently professor of piano at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels and at the famous Paris Conservatory. Her concerts have taken her to stages in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Her unique tone, technical ease and lively musicality have enabled her to collaborate with some of the most renowned artists and writers of our time. With numerous recordings, awards and the French Medal of Honour for Culture, Eliane Reyes is one of the most exciting pianists of her generation. Marc Sabbah, born in New York City, USA, has been soloist of the Belgian National Orchestra since 2012 and professor of viola at the Royal Conservatory of Mons, Belgium since 2017. Winner of numerous 1st prizes, he has performed on stages such as Carnegie Hall, Berlin Philharmonie, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Paris Philharmonie and many others. As a soloist and chamber musician, Marc performs on stages throughout Europe, gives master classes and organizes a chamber music festival in a historic Belgian castle. His musical elegance and mastery of the viola leave the listener amazed and at ease at the same time.

Poème

Vieuxtemps transformed the technique and aesthetic of violin playing in the 19th century, and as a virtuoso exponent and composer he was considered a worthy successor to Paganini. His works for violin and orchestra illustrate two notable features – a liking for variation form and the fusion of emotional density with virtuosic flair. These can be heard in the impressive Variations on a Theme from Beethoven’s Romance No. 1 and his Fantasie in E major ‘La Sentimentale’, one of his very greatest concert fantasies, where the music is influenced by bel canto. All of the works on this album were discovered after the composer’s death apart from the the unfinished Violin Concerto No. 8 – one of Vieuxtemps’ last compositions and dedicated to his most illustrious pupil, Eugène Ysaÿe. Alexander Markov has been hailed as one of the world’s most captivating and versatile musicians, and has been highly praised by Yehudi Menuhin. He is particularly known for his interpretations of 19th-century Romantic virtuoso repertoire, with his performances of Paganini’s 24 Caprices reaching over 11 million views on YouTube. Markov is also featured in the internationally acclaimed documentary The Art of Violin directed by Bruno Monsaingeon. Markov made his solo debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of 16 and has appeared with renowned orchestras and conductors around the world, including Lorin Maazel and Charles Dutoit.