Saint-Saëns & Ysaÿe: Rare transcriptions for violin and piano

Philippe Graffin's voyage of discovery researching little-known works for the violin by well-known masters has already seen a particularly well-received disc of Rare French works for violin and orchestra, and now we have a disc of works for violin and piano that also emerged from his investigations. These pieces have been uncovered in private collections and various libraries, including the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

These are fascinating transcriptions by Saint-Saëns, one of the most celebrated pianists of his time, and the equally celebrated violinist Ysaÿe. Having assisted in bringing them to light, Graffin performs them here with his customary virtuosity and grace, accompanied by the equally deft French pianist, Pascal Devoyon, on a disc that will educate, delight and amaze.

CDH55353  76 minutes 29 seconds
‘Graffin's tone throughout is sweet and seductive, his phrasing a thing of pure joy … a wonderful disc. Buy it’ (Gramophone)
‘Fascinating … Graffin and Devoyon offer fine, committed performances … Graffin produces a beguiling tone’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘The music collected here is very enjoyable … this is the second disc of music by Saint-Saëns that I have heard from Philippe Graffin, and it is just as enjoyable and interesting as the earlier o ...