Search - Gabriel Faure, Pascal Devoyon :: Fauré: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2

Great value

Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 02/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Among Faure's piano chamber music, the Piano Quartets, Trio and First Violin Sonata (A major) are the most popular, well-crafted and rewarding works. In his old age, Faure evolved as a composer and his music became less effortlessly transparent and refreshing and more austere and intellectual - and sometimes more puzzling. This is seen comparing the earlier A-major Sonata Op. 13 to the very late E-minor Sonata Op. 108. But, the late E minor sonata - while more remote in its personality - rewards those who take the time to listen to its nuanced messages. it took me a little while but I really love this work now.



There are several fine choices for the two Sonatas including those by Arthur Grumiaux (Philips), Krysia Osostowicz/Susan Tomes (Helios) and this one featuring Dong-Suk Kang and Pascal Devoyon. All three recordings were rated 3/3 stars in Penguin Guide, so it depends on what nuances capture your emotions. With Grumiaux you can always expect equisite lyricism, elan and beautifully poised playing (on a excellent sounding Philips CD). Tomes and Osostowicz are strong in the romantic repertoire (as a pair or with The Floristan Trio or The Domus Quartet) and one can always count on them for the highest levels of musicianship. Joshua Bell also recorded the first sonata ("French Chamber Works" on Decca), but I found both his tone and sound environment completely "flat" and uninspiring for such an accomplished violinist.



So, my pick for this music would be this set on Naxos in part for the equally solid playing but also for the additional, alluring pieces beyond the two sonatas on this CD (the Berceuse, Romance and Andante). The highlight for most will be clearly the first sonata in A-major - no less for its powerfully driving first movement, wonderous second movement, quicksilver third movement and endearingly passionate forth movement. Mr. Kang brings tremedous energy and deft passagework to opeing and closing movements that I found irresistable in its bewitching power to engage the emotions. His reading here exude a full-throttled "romantic" passion that will be most attractive to those who value such qualities in this piece. Another attractively nuanced, romantic reading of the A major Sonata (and delectable Faure recital) comes from Gil Shaham (Vanguard Classics) that is worth investigating.



The three extra pieces on this Naxos release will be a nice "bonus" that brings more dimension into the recital with their more relaxed, lyrical temperament. In particular, the Bercuese Op. 16 and Romance Op. 28 are the most intimate and graceful of the lot which Kang makes sing like an anticipated meeting of lovers. Last, the sound engineering is particularly striking and bold with nothing to cite as deficient - good balance between instruments, clear, optimal spaciousness to create an ideal sound. One of Naxos better efforts.



All-in-all, this CD is a GREAT choice for these pieces with some nice "extras." In fact, in a recent Gramophone comparison of recordings of Faure's first Sonata, this Naxos disc took the pride of place. To some, Kang is considered a way-underrated violinist. Also by Kang on Naxos worth hearing is French Violin Sonatas. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound quality - 4.5 stars. (sorry, review should have listed 5 stars overall)"