Poème

"Akiko Suwanai, a tall, imposing violinist of striking stage presence, raised her bow for a sombre, intense descent of notes at the start: this was big-boned, noble playing, with its rhythmic life taut and rigorous.“ --The Times

"Suwanai belongs to those artists who strive for clarity above all. Her playing is pure sound, pure energy.” --chweinfurter Tagesblatt, April 2010

“Her sound is large and powerful, the phrases… are elegant and of effortless simplicity." --Classic Toulouse, October 2009

Lalo: Works For Violin And Orchestra

“Jean-Jacques Kantorow, one of today's most individual players, has the measure of Lalo's Sarasate-inspired violin-writing - he's able to toss off the virtuoso passagework in a seemingly effortless manner and his distinctive tone lends a sensuous allure to Lalo's melodies. The Granada orchestra gives spirited support...” --Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2009

The three works gathered here all resulted from the friendship between the composer and the Spanish violinist Pablo de Sarasate. The melodious and charming violin concerto held a great significance for Lalo who regarded it as his first work truly worthy of the name. The première of Symphonie espagnole in 1875 was followed by performances all over Europe in the expert hands of Sarasate.