Camille Saint-Saëns: Complete Concertos

Experience the enchanting world of Camille Saint-Saëns' violin concertos with the captivating debut album from the remarkable young violinist Leia Zhu. This collection, titled "Camille Saint-Saëns: Complete Concertos," is a comprehensive exploration of the French composer's violin concertos, featuring all his works in this genre. Released on February 28, 2025, under the Berlin Classics label, this album is the first in an ambitious 8-album series dedicated to Saint-Saëns' solo concertos, showcasing the extraordinary talent of one of today's most promising musicians.

Leia Zhu, accompanied by the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna and conducted by Howard Griffiths, brings a fresh and vibrant perspective to Saint-Saëns' masterful compositions. The album spans a total of eight tracks, including the renowned "Introduction Et Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28," both of Saint-Saëns' violin concertos, and the evocative "Havanaise, Op. 83." With a duration of just over an hour, this album offers a rich and immersive listening experience, highlighting the technical brilliance and artistic depth of Saint-Saëns' works.

Camille Saint-Saëns, a prolific composer of the Romantic era, is celebrated for his diverse contributions to classical music, including symphonies, concertos, operas, and chamber music. His violin concertos, particularly the Second Violin Concerto, are known for their inventiveness and technical demands, making them a staple in the repertoire of violinists worldwide. This album provides a unique opportunity to delve into the complete violin concertos of Saint-Saëns, performed with exquisite skill and passion by Leia Zhu.

Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises to be a delightful addition to your collection. Leia Zhu's interpretation of Saint-Saëns' works is both faithful to the original compositions and infused with a contemporary energy, making it a standout release in the world of classical music.

Camille Saint-Saëns, born in Paris in 1835, was a multifaceted French composer, organist, conductor, and pianist whose career spanned the Romantic era. Often hailed as one of France's greatest composers, Saint-Saëns' musical prowess was evident from a young age, earning him comparisons to Mozart. His extensive repertoire includes iconic works such as "Danse Macabre," the opera "Samson and Delilah," and the enchanting "The Carnival of the Animals," which features the beloved "The Swan." Saint-Saëns' compositions are celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, reflecting his eclectic influences and nationalistic tendencies. Beyond music, Saint-Saëns was also deeply interested in botany, geology, astronomy, and the arts, making him a true polymath. His legacy endures through his timeless compositions, which continue to captivate audiences worldwide.