Raro Spanish Symphony, Op. 21 (Violin Solo Part)

Author: [French] Rall, He Xian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: The Spanish Symphony was completed in 1873 and ranks among Rall's violin concertos. On February 7, 1875, this work was premiered by the violin master Sarasate at the Paris Grand Music Hall, achieving unprecedented success. As a composer, Rall, despite achieving fame late in life, solidified his status through this work. What is particularly striking about this piece is its name—The Spanish Symphony—which is rare among violin concertos. We must recognize this as a distinctive feature of Rall, as his other violin works are also titled such as The Russian Concerto and The Norwegian Fantasy, among others. As a violin concerto, the author calls it a symphony, which demonstrates that Rall avoided the traditional approach where the violin soloist dominates completely, opting instead for an innovative, symphonic mindset in his composition. The Spanish blood in Rall, as the grandson of a Spaniard, is best reflected in this work. This piece is often performed only in three movements—the , fourth, and fifth movements—leaving it a pity. The reason for this may be that at the premiere of The Spanish Symphony, Sarasate omitted the second and third movements, which has since become the current performance practice.