Schumann: Violin Sonata No. 1 in A minor, Op. 105 - SACD

Robert Schumann's three Sonatas for violin and piano were all composed between 1851 and 1853, and have suffered from neglect like other works from this period in the composer's life.

Here the performers are Ulf Wallin and Roland Pöntinen: a team who recorded their first disc for BIS in 1991, and whose partnership has been described as 'masterfully cultivated ensemble playing' on ClassicsToday.com.

Wallin's credentials in Schumann are firmly established, after his recently released recording of the violin concerto, the Fantasy and the arrangement for violin of the cello concerto has been met with considerable critical acclaim.

Renowned for his outstanding technical and musical ability, as well as his unique re-workings of chamber repertoire, this latest album from Jonathan Freeman-Attwood introduces some fresh and unusual arrangements of well-known Romantic music for the under-explored medium of trumpet and piano duo.

The choice of Mendelssohn and Schumann, originally written for cello and violin respectively, allows Freeman-Attwood to demonstrate the melodic lyricism of the instrument as well as the thrilling execution a brass instrument can bring to intricate passage-work.

Grieg’s Holberg Suite has attracted arrangers since its composition; the opening Preludium is a brilliant vehicle for the trumpet and piano, fully showcasing the skills of the duo that have honed their skills over three albums.

These new transcriptions are beyond anything previously imagined for trumpet; they expand the boundaries of the trumpet as a solo instrument and deserve to take their place in the standard repertoire for the instrument.

As a trumpet player, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood has performed and recorded both as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles and has attracted plaudits from the press for his solo recordings.

Jonathan broadcasts regularly for BBC Radio 3 and is Principal of the Royal Academy of Music in London.

South African born Daniel-Ben Pienaar is an award-winning pianist whose live performances and recordings have won him widespread acclaim: “a kaleidoscope of colours and textures” (International Piano).

In an ongoing commitment to young artists, Avie presents the debut recording by the sensational young violinist Rudens Turku. Wherever he performs, Rudens enthralls audiences and captivates critics. The Albanian-born, German-resident impresses with his steadfast technique, masterful musical style and engaging personality. His debut disc on Avie includes three mainstays of the central European repertoire, Schumann’s Sonata No. 1, Brahms’ Sonata No. 2, and the Franck Sonata. Born into a musical family, Rudens emigrated from Albania at the age of 14 with nothing but a violin in his hand. He rapidly rose through the musical ranks and graduated with distinction from Munich’s Academy for Music and Theater. His career has since taken him on tours throughout Germany as well as to France, Italy, Luxemburg, Spain, Switzerland and the United States. Rudens is partnered on his Avie debut by the outstanding young Russian pianist Milana Chernyavska.