Beethoven: Violin Sonatas, Vol. 2 [Nos 5 - 7]

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LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven: Violin Sonatas, Vol. 2 [Nos 5 - 7]
Frank Peter Zimmermann (violin), Martin Helmchen (piano)

[ BIS SACD / Hybrid SACD ]

Release Date: Friday 9 April 2021

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2020 saw the release of the first instalment in this three-album traversal of Beethoven's violin sonatas - a recording that has garnered distinctions such as Choc de Classica and Cum Laude (Luister), with performances that 'wed classical verve to a profoundly Romantic spirit' (Gramophone) in 'recordings that are conversations by a perfect instrumental pairing' (BBC Music Magazine). As Frank Peter Zimmermann and Martin Helmchen open the second disc, they do so with the iconic Spring Sonata, Op. 24. Completed in 1801, the work proved immediately popular with a second edition appearing only months after the first publication. There were also numerous arrangements for a variety of forces - including a song based on motifs from the sonata's slow movement.

Soon after completing Op. 24, Beethoven began work on a set of three sonatas of which the first two are included on this disc. Musically the Op. 30 sonatas continue the development that had begun with the Spring Sonata towards a contrast-rich, symphonic style. Beethoven originally planned to end the first and shortest of the three with the expansive movement that later became the finale of the great Kreutzer Sonata. As this would clearly have ruined the proportions of the work, he eventually replaced it with a set of variations. Closing this disc is the second sonata of Op. 30, in C minor. It is the most important of the set; a genuine Grande Sonate in four movements, and an early example of Beethoven's 'heroic' style.

" Anyone who loves these works will surely come away from this recording feeling entertained, stirred and thoroughly refreshed." Gramophone

"The violin's opening theme finds Zimmermann at his most lyrical, but the elaboration in Helmchen's repeat demands a shimmering effect at the Allegro tempo, setting him up for a bold ff statement (tr. 1, 0:47) which Zimmermann immediately defuses. Generally, Helmchen relishes playing the hard man to Zimmerman's more equable one" MusicWeb Recommended

Tracks:

Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24, 'Spring Sonata'
Violin Sonata No. 6 in A major, Op. 30 No. 1
Violin Sonata No. 7 in C minor, Op. 30 No. 2