Suk: Four Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 17

The music of Josef Suk, pupil of Dvorák and married to the elder composer’s daughter, is only now beginning to be recognized for its true worth. Presented here are three relatively early works, brimming with youthful enthusiasm but already showing considerable individuality, a highly developed approach to structure, and, occasionally, a touch of the melancholy introspection which was to inform many of the composer’s later works. A talented violinist, Suk lends to his chamber compositions a true understanding of the genre, while his thoroughly ‘Czech’ musical upbringing ensures strong representation for the folk and dance influences to be found in the music of many of his contemporaries.

This is Sophia Jaffé’s debut recording and has been made as a result of her being a prize winner in the German Music Competition. She was born into a family of musicians and is now an assistant professor of the violin.

These two composers are closely connected. Suk studied composition under Dvorak at the Prague Conservatory and later married Dvorak’s daughter Ottilie. Both composers were excellent pianists and shared a lifelong passion for the violin. “Antje Weithaas counts among the great violinists of our time” FonoForum

Christine Raphael (1943-2008) was the daughter of composer Günther Raphael. Her concert work was mainly as a soloist with orchestras and performing in violin and duo chamber recitals. She made numerous recordings and was especially interested in performing and recording her father’s works.

CPO's Josef Suk edition now turns to the chamber work of this magnificent late-romantic master.