Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Alfred Schnittke, Dmitry Shostakovich :: Sergey Prokofiev: Sonata in D Major, Op. 115, for Solo Violin / Sonata in C Major, Op. 56, for 2 Violins / Dimitri Shostakovich: Sonata Op. 134, for Violin & Piano / Alfred Schnittke: Praeludium in Memoriam D. Shostakovich, for 2 Violins - Lydia Mordkovit

Rarely Heard Dramatic Works by Three Russian Composers

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 02/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recordings such as this superb one serve to remind us that though we may think we know the output of the major composers, there are still treasures to be discovered. Works for individual instruments find their way into recital programs but often lie in shadow of the 'big works' for the concert.



It is refreshing to hear these four works on one CD. The two Prokofiev pieces, 'Sonata for violin solo in D major, Op. 115' and 'Sonata for 2 violins in C major, Op. 56' are filled with graceful melodies as well as Prokofiev's pungent wit and bitter moments. Lydia Mordkovitch surveys the solo work with complete conviction and beauty of tone and is joined by Emma Young for the Op.56. They convey the work as though the two violins were and extension of one, so integrated is their performance.



Dmitri Shostakovich's Sonata for violin & piano, Op. 134 is a more dense and complex work and in the hands of Lydia Mordkovitch and pianist Clifford Benson it shines as a composition of exquisite interplay between the two instruments.



The most intriguing work on the CD is the 'Praeludium in Memoriam D. Shostakovich, for 2 violins or violin & tape' by Alfred Schnittke, the least well known of these composers - but hopefully not for long. The work reflects and respects Shostakovich but does so in Schnittke's own original language. It is hauntingly beautiful, strange in its appeal to the ear, yet wholly successful as an organic homage not only to its dedicatee but also to the legacy of ancient religious music.



This is a very well balanced program, beautifully recorded, and benefits not only from its highly original programming, but also from the brilliance of the performance by these three artists. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, February 06









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