DORIAN RECORDINGS: DOR-90183
HOMAGE TO PABLO DE SARASATE (1844-1908)
RACHEL BARTON PINE, VIOLIN
SAMUEL SANDERS, PIANO

Serenata Andaluza, Op. 28
Miramar, Op. 42
Introduction et tarantella, Op. 43

SPANISH DANCES:
Malaguena, Op. 21, No. 1
Habanera, Op. 21, No. 2
Romanza Andaluza, Op. 22, No.1
Jota Navarra, Op. 22, No. 2
Playera, Op. 23, No.1
Zapateado, Op. 23, No.2
Spanish Dance No. 7, Op. 26, No. 1
Spanish Dance No. 8, Op. 26, No. 2

Muiñiera, Op. 32
Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25





This, my first CD, was recorded when I was 18. After hearing me perform in the finals of the Kreisler International Competition in Vienna in 1992, Dorian invited me to make an album of works by the great 19th-century Spanish violin virtuoso and composer Pablo de Sarasate. I had performed Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy often over the years, and I had also learned a few of his other famous works, including the Introduction and Tarantelle, Zapateado, and Zigeunerweisen. To prepare for this album, I collected and learned every other piece he wrote. Although time-consuming, the familiarity I acquired with Sarasate's style now helps me interpret on a much deeper level such Spanish-flavored works as Saint-Saens's Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso and the Symphonie Espagnole by Lalo, which were dedicated to him.

As Dorian and I decided to stay with a Spanish theme, I eliminated the Zigeunerweisen, Sarasate's other opera fantasies, and his beautiful French pieces. Choosing my favorites from among the remaining works was a challenge, and those selected include some great ones. The Muiniera, with its hurdy-gurdy imitation, was an especially intriguing discovery.

Working with pianist Samuel Sanders was a great honor. I had grown up listening to him collaborate with Perlman on recordings and in performance, and he always was an inspiring chamber musician. During our rehearsals and recording sessions, he also proved to be a generous mentor. Not only did he give me invaluable musical advice and suggestions, but he also led me through the process of working with recording engineers and pacing myself emotionally during the sessions. Whenever I started to feel stress, Sam's good humor chased it away. I will always miss him and remember him with love and gratitude.