b'Pablo de Sarasatearrr. Michael PilkingtonNavarra, Op. 33Virtuoso compositions for one solo violinist abound, particularly in 19th-century repertoire. But it is rare to find a work written for two virtuoso violins and orchestra, with almost equal demands made on each soloist, and Sarasate seems to have cornered the market for this particular combination. Navarra, written in 1889, gives both soloists ample opportunity to demonstrate their virtuosic skills (and the many, many hours of painstaking practice required to refine them) through left hand pizzicato, trills, harmonics, and rapid, high passage work. Born in 1844 in Pamplona, Spain, Pablo de Sarasate showed great promise as a violinist from a very young age, winning the coveted Premire Prix at the Paris Conservatoire when he was only 17. During his ensuing very successful career as a virtuoso violinist, Sarasate toured extensively around Europe and to the Americas. In addition to composing many virtuoso solo violin works, mostly with a distinctive Spanish flavour, Sarasate inspired a number of composers, including Weniawski, Lalo, Saint-Saens, and Max Bruch, to dedicate major works for the solo violin repertoire to him. The two soloists in this performance grew up together at Buskaid. Simiso was an extrovert and loved virtuosic repertoire, whereas Kabelo was perhaps more introverted and attracted to more lyrical compositions. I can still recall their passion for playing duets together when they were beginners. This performance, and their partnership in Chevalier de Saint-Georges Symphonie Concertante (click here for YouTube video) are for me the culmination of their shared childhood musical experiences at Buskaid.~Rosemary Naldenbuskaid.org.za/ 17'