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Information on Pablo de Sarasate's Carmen Fantasie

Violinists: Requesting any information about the story behind Saraste's Carmen Fantasie.

From Jas Barn
Posted October 5, 2005 at 05:12 AM

We are hosting a recital for Carmen Fantasie and I am trying to educate myself on the story of Carmen Fantasie. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time!

From Sander Marcus
Posted on October 5, 2005 at 02:09 PM

Hi. Sorry, all I know is that it was written in 1883.

From Gennady Filimonov
Posted on October 5, 2005 at 09:51 PM

He was a student of Alard at the Paris Conservatory, by 17 he had won all of the major prizes which launched his solo career.
At the beginning of his career, Sarasate performed opera fantasies (a fad made popular by Paganini).
Sarasate's compositions were flashy show-pieces designed to demonstrate his exemplary technique. As a soloist he traveled all of Europe as well as North & South America.

I think there were many who adored the themes from Bizet's famous opera "Carmen". He was one of many who was charmed by them and decided to write his own version, which I really like a lot. I also think Waxmann's version is terrific.

Many composers of Sarasate's time, dedicated their compositions to him, and he in turn premiered them: Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole, Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso and Concerto #3, Max Bruch's Scottish Fantasy even Henryk Wieniawski's Violin Concerto No. 2.
Thanks to Maestro Sarasate, the sound of Spain gained a lot of recognition and play time.

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