Schubert: 3 Violin Sonatas
Franz Schubert had two approaches to the violin – one a particularly virtuosic and fiendish style which evolved from his earliest orchestral works through to his late G major String Quartet. The other is far more subtle, using a narrower range of notes and extremes, and here in the 1816 Sonatas, revealed in a perfect balance between the two instruments in a technically and musically concise form. This concision drew publisher Diabelli to call the works ‘Sonatinas’ and they have been wrongly called such for 200 years; however this mis-appellation is almost an insult to the fascinating and wonderfully balanced works that they are.
As well as being internationally recognised as a leading interpreter of music new and old, Peter Sheppard Skærved is the only violinist to have performed on the personal violins of Viotti, Paganini, Joachim, Kreisler and Ole Bull. On this recording he plays a fabulous instrument made by Martin Leopold Widhalm II in 1782 with a bow by François Tourte around 1775. Peter’s work is celebrated worldwide and he has made many recordings for Athene and, with contemporary music, for its sister Divine Art group label Métier, both as soloist and with the Kreutzer Quartet and the ensemble Longbow.
Julian Perkins is one of Britain’s most accomplished early-music specialists and with his ensembles Sounds Baroque has worked with many top singers and actors. He has also directed the Academy of Ancient Music and has presented concerts and operas around the UK. Here he plays a square piano of 1812 by the Clementi family.
Track Listing
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Franz Schubert:
- Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in D major, D.384 - I. Allegro molto (6:23)
- Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in D major, D.384 - II. Andante (3:56)
- Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in D major, D.384 - III. Allegro vivace (4:06)
- Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano in A minor, D.385 - I. Allegro moderato (8:15)
- Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano in A minor, D.385 - II. Andante (5:50)
- Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano in A minor, D.385 - III. Menuetto: Allegro (3:04)
- Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano in A minor, D.385 - IV. Allegro (4:56)
- Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano in G minor, D.408 - I. Allegro giusto (6:57)
- Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano in G minor, D.408 - II. Andante (6:24)
- Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano in G minor, D.408 - III. Menuetto: Allegro vivace (3:01)
- Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano in G minor, D.408 - IV. Allegro moderato (5:44)
Reviews
“The artists employ numerous coloristic effects to vary the music’s texture and impact. Each enhances the sense of discovery and joy that abounds throughout this disc. The playing by both musicians is exemplary. The adventurous path they actually traveled makes this a very special recording. The recorded sound is excellent. This Schubert disc is a fine achievement, and one I am delighted to recommend.
” —Ken Meltzer
“I knew at the outset that Peter Sheppard Skaerved and Julian Perkins had found the essence of this music and greatly enjoyed playing it. They have a wonderful intimacy and informality. They find things in the music that elude everyone else, and their interpretive decisions invariably feel valid. The intimate, warm recorded sound is perfect for these performances.
” —Joseph Magil
“There’s real grace and easefulness but also excitement. The booklet does contain some fascinating reflections on the implications and effects of performing these sonatas on a square piano. Contrasts are observed, nuances offer interest, but Classical balance and lyricism generally prevail. In the final reckoning, Skærved and Perkins let the music do the talking, and it speaks confidently and compellingly.
” —Claire Seymour
“Skærved always excels not only in his playing but also in his exploration of and critical approach to the original musical sources, and this CD is no different. Some interesting choices on repeats and frequent moments of surprise… a clear sense of period style is always present.
” —Terry Robbins
“A light but not lightweight approach imbues this with a sense of wonder… a fascinating and stylish approach to the score. The exemplary recording replicates well the intimacy and delicately subtle nuances of the music making.
” —Robin Stowell
“Much thought, care and affection has gone into this project… a CD that deserves the attention of anyone interested in historical instruments and an intelligent approach to playing them.
” —Brian Robins
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