Introduction and Tarantella

Like other virtuoso violinists including Paganini, Kreisler and Dushkin, Pablo de Sarasate also composed many of his own ‘showpieces’. In the spirit of 19th century tradition, he took stylistic elements and idioms from folk music to create character pieces of immense virtuosity, including gypsy tunes as well as Spanish and Basque dances. The rousing Tarantelle op. 43, with a sumptuous introduction, enjoys particular popularity. The work is most frequently performed with piano accompaniment, but was originally composed for violin and orchestra and is a favourite in gala and festival concerts and as an encore.