Press Release - May, 1994

With this release, Dorian combines two very exciting elements: a tribute to one of the greatest violinists of all time, Pablo de Sarasate, and the debut album of a brilliant young musician, Rachel Barton. The Spanish virtuoso, Sarasate (1844-1908), is considered by many to have been the natural successor to Paganini: a performer of spine-tingling technique who also cultivated an unfailingly elegant style and a remarkable purity and sweetness of tone. In his time, he was one of the world's leading personalities of the concert stage. He composed some 54 short pieces, all of them designed to display his prowess as a performer. Many of these are showpieces drawn from Spanish folk melodies, and derive their considerable appeal from their tuneful beauty and intensely Spanish character, not to mention the many opportunities they provide for violinistic acrobatics.

Presented on this recording are Sarasate's Eight Spanish Dances and the popular Carmen Fantasy, plus several rarely heard pieces including Muiñera (in which the violin imitates the sound of a Galician hurdy-gurdy), Adios, montañas mías, a nostalgic tribute to the composer’s native Navarre, Miramar, and the whirlwind Introduction et tarantelle.

What more perfect vehicle than Sarasate’s music could there be for the debut recording of an incredible young violinist? Rachel Barton, who was 18 years old when she recorded this program, is a rising star of her generation. A winner of numerous international competitions, Ms Barton here demonstrates the technique of a master, and a very assured and flamboyant musical personality. The young Chicago native, playing a rare 1617 Amati (which once belonged To Beethoven's patron, Prince Lobkowitz), is partnered by one of the most distinguished chamber and collaborative musicians of our generation, Samuel Sanders. This recording was produced in conjunction with Ms. Barton's win of The 1992 Fritz Kreislcr Violin Competition in Vienna.

In preparing for this recording, she studied the only recordings actually made by Pablo de Sarasate - 9 pieces recorded by him in 1904 in Paris, just years before he died. Some of the pieces that Sarasate recorded are ones that appear on this CD. A spectacular showcase of a spectacular young talent and a must for lovers of superb violin playing! Recorded at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

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Homage to Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908)
Rachel Barton Pine, violin
Samuel Sanders, piano
Dorian Recordings DOR-90183