THE WIRELESS ORCHESTRA, conducted by JOHN ANSELL
NORMAN ALLIN (Bass)
ANTONIO BROSA (Violin)
SAINT-SAENS was very fond of travel, and after a busy season of concerts, operas and rehearsals, he used to go off to Africa or India, or the Canary Islands, sometimes causing anxiety by disappearing completely for a time, leaving no address.
This piece, originally written for Violin and Orchestra, is one of the fruits of his travels-a reminiscence of scenes enjoyed in sunny Havana.
It consists of a number of short sections, bound together by the recurrence, in various forms, of distinctive rhythms and themes.
The rhythmic figure of the first melody is prominent throughout the piece. The time changes to a livelier measure, and soon the first rhythm is heard again, but in a new melody. Still another theme, in moro flowing style, is brought in, and after some showy passages for the soloist, the opening section, varied a little, is repeated.
Finally, the Violin has still more brilliant display work, and a Coda touching upon several of the work's loading points brings it to an end.
THE tuneful gaiety and homely sentftnent of this piece make it a constant favourite. It will bo remembered that it embodies tunes from the Opera-the Children's Prayer at the opening (on the Horns); the Witch's Magic (Trumpets); the Song of the Sandman who puts children to sleep, and so forth.