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Topic: Saint-Saëns piano concertos (Read 1746 times)

shasta

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Hi everyone. This is my first time to your forum. What a great resource! I have a 2-part question to pose to you (I did some searching but didn't find a topic on this previously in the forum):

1. Of the Saint-Saëns concertos, which is your favorite?

2. I am just starting to tackle his 5th and was interested in hearing opinions/advice from anyone who has performed this previously.

Thanks!

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sharon_f

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Re: Saint-Saëns piano concertos

Reply #1 on: July 02, 2004, 03:28:21 PM

The fifth is probably my favorite, though I really love (a guilty pleasure!) the first. I know the first is considered a juvenile work and is ignored by most pianists, but it has an infectious energy, and the last movement's second subject is one of those melodies you just can't get out of your head.

I have never performed any of the Saint-Saens concertos.

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Goldberg

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Re: Saint-Saëns piano concertos

Reply #2 on: July 02, 2004, 04:43:49 PM

The only one I have worked on (haven't finished) is my favourite, the 3rd one in Eflat. With the 1st, it is easily one of the most neglected of the set, but the two outer movements are superb (I'll admit that the 2nd movement could have been better...but the 3rd movement makes up for its disappointment for its incredible energy).
The 5th is my second favourite and is very fun I imagine for the pianist and audience alike. These concertos in all are one of my favourite sets and I cannot figure out for the life of me why they are so overlooked! I'm glad to hear you're working on one!

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Allan

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Re: Saint-Saëns piano concertos

Reply #3 on: July 02, 2004, 07:06:54 PM

Shasta beat me to it. I was actually about to post on this same subject. I just purchased the two cd set of Saint-Saens concertos with Jean-Philippe Collard at the piano. Very nice playing. I like them all, and the fifth (especially the last movement) is a fun romp for the piano. I agree that these are often overlooked and showed be played more.

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mozartgonebad

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Re: Saint-Saëns piano concertos

Reply #4 on: July 02, 2004, 10:38:07 PM

I like the 2nd one, and I'm learnin it too.

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shasta

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Re: Saint-Saëns piano concertos

Reply #5 on: July 07, 2004, 05:42:11 PM

Pascal Rogé performs all of them beautifully; his 1st is so sparkling. I highly recommend his recordings.

I think the 2nd and 4th are tied for my favorites, then the 5th, 1st, and 3rd, although I love them all.

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pianojems

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Re: Saint-Saëns piano concertos

Reply #6 on: July 07, 2004, 07:18:12 PM

what is their rank of difficuly?

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joell12068

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Re: Saint-Saëns piano concertos

Reply #7 on: July 07, 2004, 07:24:09 PM

Not only are the concertos delightful, but so are the 3 shorter works for piano and orchestra - Wedding Cake, Rhapsodie d'Auvergne, and Africa.

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