COMPOSERS: Enescu,Henze,Schubert and Schoenberg
LABELS: Arco Diva
WORKS: Works for violin and piano by Enescu, Henze, Schubert and Schoenberg
PERFORMER: Barbara Doll (violin), Cristina Marton (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: UP 0083-2 131
With its mesmerising flights of fantasy, Enescu’s Third Violin Sonata ‘dans le caractère populaire roumain’ is one of the most remarkable contributions to the 20th-century duo repertory.
Barbara Doll and Cristina Marton offer an exemplary account of the work, scrupulously following very precise instructions that the composer inserts into the score.
That said, their approach is perhaps a little too detached and lacks something of the fluidity and charisma that Leonidas Kavakos and Péter Nagy bring to the music in their outstanding ECM recording.
Surprisingly both artists seem far less inhibited by the Schoenberg. Relishing its restless energy, they deliver a performance of nervous intensity and brilliant technical control.
The restrained atmospheric Henze pieces which follow the Schoenberg offer an effective contrast, though I wasn’t always completely convinced by their musical substance. Neither did I much enjoy the Schubert.
Although Doll performs with elegance and purity of tone, Marton’s piano sound is occasionally a little heavy and could project more lyricism especially in the slow movement. Still, this is a warmly recorded disc with an enterprising programme. Erik Levi
