Souvenirs

Swedish-Norwegian violinist Johan Dalene has the ideal tone for this mostly late-Romantic repertoire—beautiful in itself, warmed with subtle vibrato, and with a wide palette of colors which he uses with the conviction and charisma of a consummate performer. He starts with a real showstopper, Ravel’s Tzigane. The French composer threw in virtually every virtuosic trick in this piece, yet Dalene not only dazzles, but entices the listener—one moment playing a passage of harmonics with lyrical sweetness, the next delivering husky sexiness. Pianist Peter Friis Johansson, hand in glove, tracks Dalene’s every lightning-fast variation of speed. In contrast, the limpid calmness of Johansson’s introduction to Massenet’s “Méditation” from Thaïs sets the scene for violin playing of rapt loveliness by Dalene. Altogether, this is a well-contrasted and thoroughly enjoyable program, including a seductive account of Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir d’un lieu cher, and favorites such as Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, its original orchestral accompaniment arranged for piano by Georges Bizet. Perhaps most striking, however, is Fritz Kreisler’s Recitativo and Scherzo-Caprice for solo violin. Rather than begin with Kreisler’s usual beguiling sweetness, the piece introduces something altogether more thoughtful and meditative. Like a fine actor, Dalene knows how to hold an audience through this soliloquy, and the sudden burst of sweetness as the virtuosic second half begins is a delightful surprise. Inside the Album Booklet Johan Dalene’s introductory note recalls how hearing the virtuosic showpieces and the violinists who played them inspired him to first take up the violin. There’s detailed program notes on all the pieces by musicologist Jean-Pascal Vachon, plus biographical notes on both artists. Album booklets are available in the latest version of Apple Music Classical, which you can download and enjoy as part of your Apple Music subscription. To access booklets, tap on the book icon at the top of your screen.