Lisa Batiashvili – Secret Love Letters (Franck – Szymanowski – Chausson – Debussy)

This album – a collaboration between two of the biggest names in classical music – celebrates the fine art of concealment, of holding private passions just beneath the surface until they erupt. ‘Secret Love Letters’ sees the violinist explore some of the most romantic music ever written. In this, her first recording with a US orchestra, she is joined by The Philadelphia Orchestra and its inspirational music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin – with whom she has performed live many times – as well as by young Georgian pianist Giorgi Gigashvili. Together they embark on a journey that spans everything from forbidden love to romance seen from the perspective of old age, featuring Szymanowski’s ‘First Violin Concerto’, Chausson’s ‘Poème’ and works by Franck and Debussy.

Batiashvili and the Georgian pianist Giorgi Gigashvili find hidden corners to explore in the Franck, played with delicacy and passion by both. The Szymanowski, an outpouring of angst as well as warmth, and the Chausson, full of expressive longing, bring out the golden tone quality of soloist and orchestra alike. — The Guardian, 27th August 2022