Beethoven, Debussy, Ravel – Sonatas for Violin and Piano

Contents:

Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata for Piano and Violin in C minor, op. 30 no. 2

Claude Debussy: Sonata for Violin and Piano

Maurice Ravel: Sonata for Violin and Piano

This is the second time violinist Danae P. Matschke collaborates on an album with her father, pianist Uwe Matschke, after their first release, titled P. Matschke – Violin Recital, was warmly received by fans and critics alike. For their sophomore effort, they chose sonatas for violin and piano by Beethoven, Debussy and Ravel, allowing us the opportunity to enjoy their renditions of works where the two instruments share equally prominent roles.

D. P. Matschke and U. Matschke’s successful careers to date, leave nothing but high expectations for this record, and they certainly do not disappoint- they show complete control of their material and the requisite sensitivity as to the character of each work. The recording is also pristine, allowing even minute details of their playing to shine through.

Beethoven’s work is one of the most impressive compositions of its kind and Joseph Szigeti was right to point out its epic- dramatic conception, whose heroic style is so difficult to achieve, especially in the first and last parts. Debussy’s sonata is extremely emotionally charged– it is the composers’ last great work before his death of incurable cancer and was composed in the years 1916-17 under tremendous physical and psychological duress. Last but not least there is Ravel’s work, which proves that the composer has a unique voice rooted in pure classicism, despite his admiration for Debussy’s style.

The three works on this album are considered to be among the masterpieces of classical chamber music and they are performed by two of today’s leading performers in Europe.