Composer: Ottorino Respighi
Performer: Tanja Becker-Bender, Péter Nagy
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Hyperion
Catalogue: CDA67930
Release: 2012
Size: 703 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Violin Sonata in D minor
01. I. Lento – Allegro – Assai animato
02. II. Adagio
03. III. Scherzo: Allegretto
Cinque Pezzi
04. I. Romanza: Andante mosso
05. II. Aubade: Vivace
06. III. Madrigale: Andantino
07. IV. Berceuse: Lentamente
08. V. Humoresque: Allegretto vivace
Violin Sonata in B minor
09. I. Moderato
10. II. Andante espressivo
11. III. Passacaglia: Allegro moderato ma energico
6 Pezzi, P. 31
12. IV. Valse caressante: Tempo lento di Valzer
13. V. Serenata: Andante calmo
Respighi’s orchestral music is loved for its lavish, operatic ‘fireworks’, its pomp and circumstance. This recording of his music for violin and piano demonstrates a more tender and intimate side to the composer, and also shows what a master he was of melody. Respighi had many influences from all over Europe and an enthusiasm for German music which perhaps explains the pleasing echoes of Brahms and Schumann among others. The sonatas, especially the later in B minor, are important works of nineteenth-century chamber music, and gems such as the Valse caressante and the Serenata are suffused with lyrical elegance which is perfectly carried off by the wonderful violinist Tanja Becker-Bender.