Rimonda and Canziani's melodic stroll

Guido Rimonda and Cristina Canziani present a fine programme of 19th century violin pieces but the performance lacks sparkle.

Composer: Various
Repertoire: Petite Ecole de la Mélodie Music by Saint-Saëns, Massenet, et al.
Artists: Guido Rimonda (vln), Cristina Canziani (pf)
Rating:  3/5
Genre: Chamber
Label: Chandos CHAN 10510

In this gentle stroll around the violinistic world of 19th-century France, Rimonda and Canziani present an enjoyable programme that shows the background from which Massenet’s ‘Méditation’ grew. The pieces by Dancla, though sometimes giving the impression that you’re in a Grade V exam, are a ‘school of melody’ that encourage songful phrasing from the violinist and foreshadow the better-known work. Rimonda’s playing is beautifully turned with refined tone and finesse, but the central Saint-Saëns sonata could be a stronger energy burst, the first movement requiring more mystery and the finale extra sparkle.