Long-time musical partners turn their attention to an English master
The Strad Issue: September 2024
Description: Long-time musical partners turn their attention to an English master
Musicians: Ulf Wallin (violin) Roland Pöntinen (piano)
Works: Elgar: Violin Sonata in E minor; Chanson de nuit; Chanson de matin; Mot d’amour; Bizarrerie; Romance in E minor; Salut d’amour; Adieu for solo piano; Allegretto on G–E–D–G–E; Sospiri
Catalogue number: BIS BIS-2659 (SACD)
Elgar seemed to associate the violin with romance, as witness the Mot d’amour and the Salut d’amour, as well as the slow movement of the Violin Sonata, the work with which this album for violin and piano opens. Ulf Wallin and Roland Pöntinen open the sonata with grandeur and purpose, attentive to Elgar’s many expressive markings, accents and variety of bow strokes.
The second melody is in delightful contrast, simply but subtly shaped; the long arpeggiated passage has a supple flow, and what follows – whether dramatic, passionate, gentle or affecting – is rendered in vivid colours, pulled together into a compelling, energetic narrative. The Romance is genial, sometimes coquettish, played with a touch of rhythmic freedom. There is no lack of romantic ardour, with expressive variation of vibrato and dynamic flexibility: this is a happy romance. The finale has an affecting fragility; the central section, with its short, questioning phrases passing between the instruments, suggests uncertainty, before leading into a satisfying return of the opening theme on Wallin’s G string. Overall, a fine performance.
The rest of the works here are short salon pieces, performed with style and beguiling character. There is charm, subtlety and occasionally passion and emotional complexity, all captured in close and warm sound.
TIM HOMFRAY
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