Description
The violinist Jonas Båtstrand and the pianist Helge Kjekshus presents lesser known works for violin by Johan Halvorsen, Christian Sinding and Ludvig Irgens-Jensen from the golden age of Norwegian musical life.
Grieg's three violin sonatas made their way to the repertoire, but there is also a considerable amount of other good music for violin that should be brought to light and have a fresh start, such as the three pieces on this recording.
Halvorsen's challenging and virtuoso "Capriccio", Sinding's Bach-inspired "Suite for Violin Solo", and Irgens-Jensen's long forgotten "Violin Sonata", are given excellent readings by Båtstrand and Kjekshus.
Båtstrand has played for masters such as Ruggiero Ricci and Yehudi Menuhin, and won several awards throughout his career. Kjekshus is in the front row among Norwegian soloists, playing with leading orchestras and performing worldwide.
Personnel: Jonas Båtstrand (violin), Helge Kjekshus (piano)