This fascinating recital features three works composed during a short period of tremendous upheaval in the world of music. Szymanowski's Mythes: Trois Poemes, op. 30 was composed in 1915, Dohnanyi's Sonata, op. 21 in 1912, and Bartok's Sonata No. 1 in 1920-21. Violinist Elizabeth Chang writes that "the crosscurrents of multiculturalism and the pursuit of a national identity separate from the prevailing Germanic legacy, are topics with searing relevance to the early 21st century. Probing the connections among the densely intertwined web of musicians of this time yields insight into an inflection point in musical history that unleashed the wildly divergent paths that music composition took as the twentieth century unfolded." This recording presents beautifully detailed performances of three important pieces, performed by two leading virtuosi.
Reviews:
AUDIOPHILIA: 2024 Recordings of the Year
Sonatas & Myths—Sonatas for violin and piano by Szymanowski, Dohnányi & Bartók — Audiophilia
"These musicians breathe together, shaping beautiful dynamics and small rubati. Steven Beck is doing a really magnificent job...stupendously played by Ms. Chang." — EarRelevant, May 2024
BRIDGE 9590