Saint-Saëns composed many original works for the violin. He also took the art of arrangement to new heights of refinement, believing his transcriptions were independent of their models, following the precedent of composers such as Liszt. This album presents early or alternative duo versions of some of Saint-Saëns’s most popular works, in which the declamatory style of the originals – such as the ever-popular Danse macabre or the habanera-infused Havanaise – is made more intimate and subtle. Composed for the exclusive use of Queen Elisabeth of Belgium in 1918, the Air de Dalila here receives its world premiere recording.

Vol.1 is on 8572750 about which the leading string magazine The Strad wrote: ‘Clamagirand’s gloriously rounded, gently cushioned sound and special sensitivity to [Saint-Saëns’s] rarefied sound world…proves…persuasive in the various miniature items.’

Vol.2 is on 8572751 about which Fanfare wrote: ‘If Fanny Clamagirand impressed me in Vol.1 of Saint-Saëns’s mostly music transcribed for violin and piano, I’m awed by her in Vol.2. She has technique to burn, her high notes are silver-toned, her intonation is true; she plays with high spirits, vivacity, and panache in the up-tempo, upbeat music, and with serious, sensitive, and affectionate demeanour in the slower, emotive music. Pianist Vanya Cohen is Clamagirand’s co-equal in every way.’

Fanny Clamagirand has also recorded Violin Concertos nos. 1–3 on 8572037. It received the Choc de Classica award, and was praised by Strings Magazine: ‘French violinist Fanny Clamagirand scores a coup with colorful, thrilling, and richly compelling performances of Saint-Saëns’s three violin concertos.’