Camille Saint-Saëns’ Fantaisie for Violin and Harp, Op. 124 is stuffed with allure, virtuosity, and dreamy exoticism.
The 72-year-old Saint-Saëns was vacationing within the metropolis of Bridger within the Italian Riviera when, in 1907, he composed this glowing miniature. He devoted the work to a musical duo made up of two sisters, harpist Clara Eissler and violinist Marianne Eissler. Set in a single temporary motion and bathed in Italian sunshine, the music feels playful, adventurous and improvisatory. In a single part, the composer pays homage to Baroque custom with a set of variations rising over a repeating ostinato bass line. The glittering glissandi which open the piece return within the closing moments earlier than the serene closing cadence.
Recordings
- Saint-Saëns: Fantaisie for Violin and Harp, Op. 124, Skaila Kanga, Academy of St. Martin within the Fields Chandos
Featured Picture: Villas at Bordighera (1884), Claude Monet
