REVIEWS: Prokofiev: Violin Sonatas (Hyperion CDA67514)

Violinist Alina Ibragimova and pianist Steven Osborne join forces in towering performances of Prokofiev’s Violin Sonatas Nos 1 and 2. The first, written against the backdrop of Stalin’s Great Terror, draws on dark wells of fear and despair. A performance of searing insight, with what Prokofiev described as the “wind in the graveyard” conveyed with chilling effect. The Second Sonata, is by contrast sunny and carefree. The album is rounded off with Five Melodies. This is one of the finest CDs to emerge this year.

The Classical Piano Concerto: Dussek (Hyperion CDA68027)

Following on from Hyperion’s popular Romantic Piano Concerto series, the Classical Piano Concerto focuses on the lesser-known concertos from the dawn of the genre. This first volume features three of Bohemian virtuoso Jan Ladislav Dussek’s 18 piano concertos, taken from different points in his career. Pianist Howard Shelley, directing the Ulster Orchestra, makes a compelling case for this delightful music.

The Romantic Violin Concerto Vol 16: Busoni & Strauss (Hyperion CDA68044)

Violinist Tanja Becker-Bender appears with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in violin concertos by Busoni and Strauss; each composer’s only example of the genre.

Brilliant performances of these neglected works.