Hi Fiddlerman (and others).  The technique that he uses in the second movement (the use of 3:1 and 5:1 harmonics over and below the base note produces a bell like quality that may be unique in classical music).  I think that it could be reproduced by the violin with the support of a viola from the orchestra.

I also think that the Saint Saen’s Piano Concerto #2 could, and should, be transcribed for violin.  The first movement would not be particularly difficult, but it would be a crowd pleaser (the rest of the piece would be difficult).

I had an unexpected treat today when I had a chance to hear Saint Saen’s Rhapsodies d’Auvergne with the composer at the piano (via a paper roll piano recording presented on YouTube).  I believe I was the third person to bother to view it.  A pity.

This certainly would be a rousing piece for a string quartet.  At only six minutes of playing time, this should not be an expensive commission (perhaps as a practice exercise for a music college), or an opportunity for crowd funding.

Hi all.  I recently purchased a “cd” of mostly violin and piano transcriptions made by Camille Saint Saens and Eugene Ysaye (the exception being the Saint Saen Fantaisie for Violin and Harp Op 124).  Philippe Graffin (violin) and Pascal Devoyon (piano).

It is CDH 55353 of the Hyperion Helios Series.  The sound quality is wonderful and would be a great cd to put on if you were to sell a stereo system.  Chopin compositions are the base material for many of the transcriptions and they appear to be conservatory practice pieces obtained from the US Library of Congress.  Worth a listen.