Rock-star violinist Quint to perform with BSO

Edouard Lalo’s lively and complex “Symphonie Espagnole,” opus 21 in D minor, is a bit of an anomaly in the realm of classical music. Composed in 1874 after Lalo was inspired by Spanish music and composer-violinist Pablo de Sarasante, it’s in form a five-part symphony. And yet, by most contemporary musicians, it’s considered a violin concerto.

So when guest soloist Philippe Quint performs it at Peakes Auditorium with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra this weekend during the fourth concert of the classical series, you get the best of both worlds: the gradual unfurling of themes of a great symphony, and the intimate immediacy of a concerto.

The story behind the “Symphonie Espagnole” is that Lalo, himself of Spanish descent, was so inspired by a performance by de Sarasante that he sought to write something that paid tribute to both the violinist and his own heritage. The result is the freewheeling, rhapsodic masterpiece that’s as stylistically groundbreaking as it is just plain entertaining. If maestro Xiao-Lu Li is typically a high-spirited conductor, expect him and the rest of the BSO to be in fine, enthusiastic form for the performance of this piece, one which requires a great deal of sustained energy.

Quint, a two-time Grammy nominee for his 2001 recording of William Schuman’s Violin Concerto, is a rock star of sorts. Though his name might deceive you, he’s a Russian-born American citizen, his surname is actually of Italian origin, and his first name sounds French. He has got music in his genes: His mother, Lora Kvint, is an acclaimed composer in Russia. His performing style is passionate and lyrical, with a powerful but never heavy-handed touch. He plays a Stradivarius. And, well, he’s kind of dreamy. All the makings of a star.

Also on the bill for the Bangor Symphony’s concert this weekend are a short piece by Richard Wagner and a longer composition by Cesar Franck. The Wagner piece is the orchestral prelude from the third act of his 1845 opera, “Tannhauser.” It’s a brief, midtempo exploration of themes from throughout the opera, making it an excellent primer on “Tannhauser,” an opera which Wagner went to his grave unsatisfied with. As with most Wagner, it’s both evocative and intimidating in its Teutonic grandiosity.

Franck’s Symphony in D Minor rounds out the concert. Again a selection from the romantic era, from which maestro Li has drawn several times this season, the composition is Franck’s only symphony. Known almost exclusively for his shorter pieces, his Symphony in D Minor is the Belgian composer’s most famous work. It’s sensual and exclamatory, a departure from the often melancholy style Franck employs in other pieces. Keep your ears open for the English horn solo, a rarity in 19th century compositions.

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra will perform two concerts at Peakes Auditorium at Bangor High School this weekend, at 7:30 p.m. March 15 and 3 p.m. March 16. Tickets prices range from $13 to $40; to purchase, call 942-5555 or 1-800-639-3221. Emily Burnham can be reached at eburnham@bangordailynews.net.