The Hungarian violinist and English pianist invite us to welcome spring with some exhilarating vernal virtuosity. Kreisler’s Syncopation sets the mood for the “jazzy, teasing syncopations” (Chicago Tribune) of Erkki-Sven Tüür’s Conversio, which since its composition in 1994 has established itself as one of the most engaging recent works for violin and piano. Sadie Harrison’s Aurea Luce (2015) is based on a plainsong chant – “the beauteous light of Eternity hath flooded with blissful fires this golden day” – sung in St Peter’s, Rome each February 22nd, as spring is about to begin. The sense of returning light infuses Grieg’s second sonata, which moves from melancholy to a joyous spring dance. The most famous musical celebration of spring, Beethoven’s Op. 24, prepares for Gershwin’s languorous Summertime.
Kreisler: Syncopation
Tüür: Conversio
Harrison: Aurea Luce
Grieg: Violin Sonata No.2 in G Major, Op.13
Beethoven: Violin Sonata No.5, Op. 24, “Spring”
Frolov: Concert Fantasy on “Porgy and Bess”