The music partnership between violinist Isabelle Faust and pianist Alexander Melnikov is particularly fruitful. Their discography and their accolades are impressive; from Beethoven to Debussy, they have proven this is a formidable, impressive and strong musical relationship. Their numerous recordings are commendable across both modern and period instruments. Adding to this is their highly praised ongoing Mozart Violin Sonatas cycle, which has reached the third volume with this release.
Both musicians are experienced in performance on modern instruments, but this release, once again, showcases their adaptability, flexibility and confidence in meeting the challenges of period instruments. Their command of this repertoire is evident in the richness of tone that both produce. Faust plays the “Sleeping Beauty” Stradivarius violin of 1704, while Melnikov plays a fortepiano from his own collection, an instrument by Christoph Kern made in 2014 after a model by Anton Walter from 1795.
Faust’s sound is unfaltering across the entire range, with warmth, excellent projection and intonation. She is not afraid to color the sound with gentle vibrato, exhibiting a beautifully melodious and cantabile tone. Melnikov clearly understands the fortepiano at his disposal. The range of color he coaxes from the instrument is highly impressive, the tone is never forced or brittle. From the chunky left-hand chords to the finger-light passagework, he is in complete and total control.
Related Classical Music Reviews
- Review: “Mozart Momentum 1785” – Piano Concertos – Leif Ove Andsnes, Mahler Chamber Orchestra
- Review: Mozart – Violin Concertos – Christoph Koncz, Les Musiciens du Louvre
- Review: Grieg – Violin Sonatas – Hemsing, Trpčeski
This volume includes four Sonatas — k.379, k.377, k.302, k.454, and while not in chronological order, musically they make for a strong and considered program. In the G major sonata (k.379) Faust and Melnikov bring momentum, but without pushing the boundaries. Together they find drama in an almost operatic sense, as if just out of Don Giovanni.
The F major sonata (k.377) demonstrates the strong chemistry between the players; both musicians enjoy the antiphony and conversational aspects of the work, relishing their different roles and mirroring each other’s phrases with beauty and nuance. In the unison passages, their sense of togetherness is remarkable, while celebrating the harmonic twists in the central movement.
In the E-flat major sonata (k.302) the two find brightness and joviality. The delicacy with which both play the repeated notes is impressive. Melnikov’s left hand is judiciously balanced in the opening movement, while Faust’s tone is silvery and pure.
The mature B-flat major sonata (k.454) is musically more sophisticated than the others, but their treatment of the other sonatas is just as serious. They find the Haydnesque humor in this sonata, which provides a fitting and satisfying conclusion to the program.
Throughout, tempo choices are brave, but intrinsically suited to the music. Whilst on the quick side, they never appear hurried or rushed. Repeats are executed, but often are more questioning the second time around; in each one Faust and Melnikov maintain the phrasing, but express it differently. Ornaments from both are executed with the same unobtrusive delicacy, enhancing the shape and direction of the musical line. Dynamics are never too literal, finding every hue and subtly by making each piano and forte slightly different, keeping the listener on their toes.
As a period comparison goes, Rachel Podger and pianist Gary Cooper are similar in approach but phrase things differently. As a modern instrument alternative, violinist Alina Ibragimova with pianist Cédric Tiberghien are utterly charming in these pieces.
Recorded in September 2019 in the Teldex Studio Berlin, the engineering provides a gentle but enhancing acoustic. Both musicians are recorded at sufficient distance to get the best of their sounds. The booklet is informative in the usual Harmonia Mundi house style. These are exemplary performances, consistent with previous sonatas in the set. The next installment is eagerly awaited.
Mozart – Violin Sonatas, Vol. 3
Violin Sonatas k. 379, 377, 302, 454
Isabelle Faust – Violin
Alexander Melnikov – Fortepiano
Harmonia Mundi, CD HMM 902362
Recommended Comparisons
Read more classical music reviews or visit The Classic Review Amazon store
Follow Us and Comment:
Get our periodic classical music newsletter with our recent reviews, news and beginners guides.
We respect your privacy.
