“I have nothing but praise for Tasmin Little's acutely judged sonority as well as the actual beauty of her tone.” Gramophone
The internationally renowned violinist, Tasmin Little, was recently awarded the prestigious 2008 Classic FM / Gramophone Award for Audience Innovation in recognition of the overwhelming success of ‘The Naked Violin’ – the world’s first free classical CD download. Spurred on by the success of this pioneering recording she has created a further imaginative CD concept ‘Partners in Time’ with the pianist John Lenehan. ‘Partners in Time’ looks at the music written for violin and piano throughout history and reveals the way in which different composers wrote for this partnership. The recording features works by Kreisler, Bach, Mozart, Grieg, Tchaikovsky and Bartók in a varied recital programme that has the feeling of a live concert.
This new release is the first in a series of recordings for BIS which will form a sustained programme of audience development for the violin’s superb and varied repertoire.
As with ‘The Naked Violin’, listeners will have the opportunity to experience the different timbres of the two beautiful and historic instruments Little plays: the “Regent” Stradivarius of 1708, on loan from the Royal Academy of Music, and her own instrument, a 1757 Guadagnini.
“Little's sincerity made for a gripping performance, her playing well-controlled yet touched with a hint of abandon…” The Strad
“Variety is the keyword here. Little's directness is at times heightened by the bright recorded sound, but her passionate spirit is winning and the collaboration with John Lenehan companionable.” Daily Telegraph, 4th March 2009
“Little and Lenehan play with captivating warmth and joie de vivre throughout. …a richly enjoyable recital that deserves every success.” BBC Music Magazine, April 2009 ****
“Little uses two different violins: a Guadagnini and a Stradivarius. They both sound marvellous; but… it is the calibre of the playing itself that creates beauty of timbre.” Gramophone Magazine, May 2009
“Her Bach and Mozart sonatas are immaculately correct.” The Times, 28th March 2009 ***
