Debut Album
Callum’s debut recital disc was released in February 2014 to critical acclaim on Orchid Classics and is available on worldwide release and download.
Album Introduction
When the idea of recording my debut CD first arose I was extremely excited at the prospect of exploring a process which was completely new to me, and having the opportunity to choose and present some of my favourite pieces of music.
Chausson’s Poème has for many years now been a piece to which I have felt very emotionally attached and have always dreamt of playing and recording. Its wild, imaginative story line, combined with its challenging technical and musical difficulties, ensures plenty of food for thought!
After my performance of the Grieg Sonata in the Menuhin Competition in 2010, I was awarded the prize of a UK tour to be accompanied by Gordon Back. This was the beginning of a regular partnership, and from that moment onwards this work has been engrained into our recital repertoire. Its use of Norwegian folk melodies, which charm us with their innocence and beauty, together with the sense of unity with nature that Grieg captures in all of his music, is particularly attractive.
The Franck Sonata is a work that every violinist should play at some stage – so I thought why not now! I immensely enjoyed recording this and it gave me a chance to explore all the colours and different sound worlds of the violin. This sonata is one of the most fulfilling works to play and takes both violin and piano on a fantastic journey, physically and mentally, and I am delighted that I have been given the opportunity to record my version of this great work.
Callum Smart
Callum Smart in conversation with Fiona Talkington
Album Information
EDVARD GRIEG (1843-1907)
Sonata for violin and piano No.2 in G major, Op.13
1. I Lento doloroso – Poco allegro – Allegro vivace
2. II Allegretto tranquillo
3. III Allegro animato
ERNEST CHAUSSON (1855-1899)
Poème, Op.25
4. Lento e misterioso – Animato – Molto animato – Poco lento – Poco meno lento – Allegro – Tempo I
CESAR FRANCK (1822-1890)
Sonata in A major
5. I Allegretto ben moderato
6. II Allegro
7. III Recitativo-Fantasia. Ben moderato – Molto lento – Molto lento e mesto
8. IV Allegretto poco mosso – Poco animato
Callum Smart – Violin
Gordon Back – Piano
