Introduction et Rondo capriccioso op. 28 (1863)

'Nobody knows the music of the whole world better than Monsieur Saint-Saëns', Claude Debussy praised his fellow composer, and there are only few who left such a comprehensive oeuvre covering all genres like he did. The French musician contributed particularly to the violin repertoire, also thanks to his friendship with the Spanish virtuoso Pablo de Sarasate who gave Saint-Saëns many a piece of advice on what is technically possible on the instrument – it was he to whom he dedicated his Violin Concerto No. 3 and Introduction et Rondo capriccioso, Opus 28. The composer's acquaintance with the violinist certainly was also the reason for his penchant for Spanish atmosphere and colour. The folklore of the neighbouring country is apparent in the Rondo, an effective bravura piece. The score and orchestral material of this highlight of the Romantic violin repertoire is now available in a new edition, in addition to Maria Egelhof's edition for violin and piano (VLB 119).