Tamsin Waley-Cohen, Huw Watkins - Szymanowski & Hahn: Works for Violin & Piano (2015)

Tracks:
01. Violin Sonata in D Minor. Op. 9: I. Allegro moderato (9:31)
02. Violin Sonata in D Minor. Op. 9: II. Andantino tranquillo e dolce (7:45)
03. Violin Sonata in D Minor. Op. 9: III. Finale: Allegro molto. quasi presto (5:06)
04. Romance in A Major (5:11)
05. Sonata for Violin & Piano in C Major: I. Sans lenteur, tendrement (10:06)
06. Sonata for Violin & Piano in C Major: II. Veloce (2:59)
07. Sonata for Violin & Piano in C Major: III. Modere, tres a l'aise, au gre de l'interprete (9:41)
08. Nocturne in E-Flat Major (6:42)
09. Nocturne and Tarantella. Op. 28:I. Nocturne: Lento assai (6:36)
10. Nocturne and Tarantella. Op. 28: II. Tarantella: Presto appassionato (5:50)

This juxtapsition of composers who, though near contemporaries seem rather far apart stylistically is curiously compelling. After the dramatic and sumptuous intensities of Szymanowski's D minor Sonata, Op 9, Hahn's Romance in A follows like an emotional mood-cleanser - all is now lightness and wistfulness. That there's an underlying unity of seriousness is shown by the third, deeply touching Modere movement of Hahn's C major Sonata. His Nocturne is E flat leads back to Szymanowski and his Noctune and Tarantella, Op 28. Waley-Cohen's playing is radiant and soaring, and Watkin's pianism a model, as always, of sensitivity.