COMPOSERS: Medtner
LABELS: Chandos
WORKS: Violin Sonata No. 1; Violin Sonata No. 2
PERFORMER: Lydia Mordkovitch (violin)Geoffrey Tozer (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: CHAN 9293 DDD
Both these sonatas are on a grand scale. The first (1910) is harmonically arid and rather impersonal. The second, all of 40 minutes long, dates from 1926 and is more immediately engaging. Robust, passionate themes – particularly in the outer movements – are superbly integrated into the huge structure. Contrasting textures and brilliant piano writing give such chamber music almost symphonic stature. Christopher Lambton
Medtner: Violin Sonata No. 1; Violin Sonata No. 2
Both these sonatas are on a grand scale. The first (1910) is harmonically arid and rather impersonal. The second, all of 40 minutes long, dates from 1926 and is more immediately engaging. Robust, passionate themes – particularly in the outer movements – are superbly integrated into the huge structure. Contrasting textures and brilliant piano writing give such chamber music almost symphonic stature. Christopher Lambton
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm