Bruno WALTER (1876-1962)
Sonata for Piano and Violin
Karl GOLDMARK (1830-1915)
Suite for violin and piano No 1 in D major
Philippe Graffin (violin), Pascal Devoyon (piano)
One hearing of this CD is enough to convince the listener that these works of exquisite beauty should be striding with the giants of Romantic violin works—Brahms, Elgar, Franck et al. It is astonishing how two such works could escape 'standard' repertoire recognition for over a century, and Philippe Graffin, together with pianist Pascal Devoyon, clearly relish the warm, passionate, singing melodic lines and harmonies permeating these pieces. Disinclined to favour one movement from the others, it has to be said that the Andante sostenuto from Goldmark's Suite is possibly one of the most heartrending slow movements ever written, played with such compelling beauty and conviction that this interpretation will prove to be the benchmark recording for many years to come.
'These are sumptuously responsive performances, glowingly recorded and expertly annotated' (International Record Review)
'[Walter’s] sonata, tackled with relish by Graffin, from the turbulent first two movements to the resolution of the third. Goldmark’s suite is a delightful set of pieces (you will be smitten with the playful middle section). Full marks to Hyperion' (Classic FM Magazine)
'Fine, colourful and lyrical playing by Graffin, who contrasts effectively passages of serious intensity with moments of lighter character and repose' (The Strad)
'Philippe Graffin brings some Menuhin-like touches to his playing'(www.classicalsource.com)
