DECEMBER 2022 | Violin Sonatas | Bruno Monteiro and João Paulos Santos | Et’cetera KTC1750

DECEMBER 2022 | Violin Sonatas | Bruno Monteiro and João Paulos Santos | Et’cetera KTC1750

BY RAY PICOT

This is a very well contrasted and unusual collection of violin sonatas which brings together music from the pens of Luis de Freitas Branco, Maurice Ravel and Heitor Villa-Lobos. I know of no other recordings featuring this combination, which I found quite refreshing, as I did the interpretations of violinist and producer, Bruno Monteiro, and pianist João Paulos Santos. As Monteiro explains in his informative notes, the duo have played this music in concerts many times and they share an easy familiarity and understanding which they clearly communicate through exceptional readings of this repertoire. They also refresh this music through a dynamic and flexible approach.

Framing the better known Ravel Sonata is Freitas Branco’s youthful 1st Sonata, which has a real charm with a weightier finale, and the better known 2nd Sonata of Villa-Lobos. The latter piece was the composer’s calling-card in Paris, and created a positive impression amongst fellow musicians and audiences alike. Typical of the composer, there are several editions of this piece with different tempo markings which hardly matters when it is so well performed. Ravel’s masterpiece needs no introduction, and it’s played with a real sparkle by the duo. I will add the sound balance is not quite as forward as I expected, though the acoustic is very natural and gives plenty of space to these excellent musicians. Warmly recommended.
 

 

 

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