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Violin Sonatas 1 & 3 on CD

Better known as a composer of virtuoso piano music, Nikolai Medtner also wrote three violin sonatas, two of which are recorded here. The 'Sonata Epica' is one of the most ambitious and colossal works in the repertoire and without doubt one of the most important violin sonatas of the twentieth century. It draws deeply on Medtner's Russian heritage, with intimations of orthodox chant and folk dances, and shows why Medtner was fleetingly regarded as one of Russia's most progressive composers during the first decade of the twentieth century. The Violin Sonata No.1 is more understated and reminiscent of Fauré. Chloë Hanslip has proved herself an eloquent performer of the lesser-known Romantic violin repertoire, displaying rare commitment and resonant vitality.