Fall Concert Program Notes: Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20

Posted on November 3, 2016

Portland Youth Philharmonic will present Pablo de Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20 in a special way by 20 of PYP’s violinists at the Fall Concert on Saturday, November 12, 2016. Click here for more information and to reserve your seats today!

Pablo de Sarasate was one of the 19th century’s great violin virtuosos. Composers such as Lalo, Dvořák, Bruch and Saint-Saëns dedicated works to him. Born in Spain, he was educated at the Paris Conservatoire (entering at age 12). He lived the life of a touring soloist, even visiting the Americas twice.

The music of the Roma people inspired many composers. Brahms and Liszt both tried to capture the virtuosity, expressiveness and joy of these musicians. Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen is a well-crafted collection of Roma violin melodies which has delighted audiences since it was published in 1878. Sarasate exploits many techniques of violin playing, including pizzicato with both hands, harmonics, and soft muted passages.

Tonight’s performance will feature multiple soloists, a tribute to the excellence of the violin playing of the Portland Youth Philharmonic and the violin teaching in the greater Portland area.

Program notes by PYP Musical Director David Hattner