Maier | Franck | Schumann
Duo Concertante
Delphian DCD34316 (delphianrecords.com/collections/new-releases/products/maier-franck-schumann-sonatas-for-violin-piano)
Listen
Maier Violin Sonata in B minor, Op. 6 III. Allegro molto vivace - Listen on Dropbox
Franck Violin Sonata in A major III. Recitativo-Fantasia Ben moderato - Listen on Dropbox
Franck Violin Sonata in A major IV. Allegretto poco mosso - Listen on Dropbox
Read the Review
The Duo Concertante team of violinist Nancy Dahn and pianist Timothy Steeves is back with another top-notch recital on Maier-Franck-Schumann Sonatas for Violin & Piano (Delphian DCD34316 delphianrecords.com/collections/new-releases/products/maier-franck-schumann-sonatas-for-violin-piano).
There’s a connecting thread running through the three works here. In his 1851 Violin Sonata No.1 in A Minor, Op.105 Robert Schumann began moving away from balanced classical forms, employing a cyclical use of musical themes and material which was further developed by Amanda Maier in her 1874-75 Violin Sonata in B Minor, Op.6 and in particular by César Franck in his 1886 Violin Sonata in A Major.
Tempos are never rushed, but as always with this outstanding duo this never results in a loss of intensity. The Digipak liner note describes their playing as emotionally engaged and stylistically insightful, qualities that are fully evident on an excellent CD.
The back of the CD package, incidentally, says “Limited Edition 500 CDs”, but I can’t find anything to back this up.
