Document

  1995
    May 1995
        Chamber
                Giuliani and Paganini Chamber Works.

Giuliani Duo concertant in E minor, "Grand Sonata", Op. 25.

Paganini Grand Sonata for Violin and Guitar in A, Op. posth. Sonata concertata in A, Op. 61. Monica Huggett (vn); Richard Savino (gtr).

Harmonia Mundi (Full price) (CD) HMU90 7116 (69 minutes: DDD).

Regarding Giuliani, a well-known critic once said to me: "Why is it, that every time I see his name in a programme my heart sinks into my boots?" Well, whilst his music isn't calculated to send it in the opposite direction, it does have its moments of charm, often blighted by mechanical performances. To come straight to the point, if this disc does not persuade you that his (and Paganini's) music merits your attention, then nothing will—and that, considering that Giuliani's Duo concertant lasts for over 32 minutes (longer than many classical symphonies), speaks volumes for the performances.

I have never concealed my admiration for both Huggett and Savino, and I do not do so now; here is a partnership that was waiting to happen. Their unanimity is so glove-tight in both interpretation and timing that my only question is, why does Savino begin short trills with the main note but Huggett the other way round? The violin part in Paganini's Grand Sonata is so slight that it is often cheerfully omitted, but Huggett treats it with as much respect as any other and shows it to be enhancing—and much more than the mischievous joke it is commonly believed to have been. These works are usually played on modern instruments and these performances on period ones reveal more of their intimate charm, as do the relaxed tempos too; only in the Andantino variato of the Paganini did I feel the need for a little more animation. I think I have made my strong recommendation clear enough!

JD



		Regarding Giuliani, a well-known critic once said to me: "Why is it, that every time I see his name in a programme my heart sinks into my boots?" Well, whilst his music isn't calculated to send it in the opposite direction, it does have its moments of charm, often blighted by mechanical performances. To come straight to the point, if this disc does not persuade you that his (and Paganini's) music merits your attention, then nothing will—and that, considering that Giuliani's Duo concertant lasts for over 32 minutes (longer than many classical symphonies), speaks volumes for the performances.



		I have never concealed my admiration for both Huggett and Savino, and I do not do so now; here is a partnership that was waiting to happen. Their unanimity is so glove-tight in both interpretation and timing that my only question is, why does Savino begin short trills with the main note but Huggett the other way round? The violin part in Paganini's Grand Sonata is so slight that it is often cheerfully omitted, but Huggett treats it with as much respect as any other and shows it to be enhancing—and much more than the mischievous joke it is commonly believed to have been. These works are usually played on modern instruments and these performances on period ones reveal more of their intimate charm, as do the relaxed tempos too; only in the Andantino variato of the Paganini did I feel the need for a little more animation. I think I have made my strong recommendation clear enough!