French Violin Sonatas

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This beautiful recording displays Midori at her radiant best. Her virtuosity is entirely at the service of the music; her tone is lovely, pure, intense, and expressive, and she adapts it to style, mood, and atmosphere with bow and vibrato. The Poulenc Sonata, written in 1942-43 and dedicated to the memory of Federico Garcia Lorca, is unsettled and unsettling. Irresolute, unpredictable, it veers between stormy turbulence and pleading lyricism. The slow movement is dreamy, tender, improvisatory, with echoes of Debussy; the Finale, called "Presto tragico," is aggressive and almost cheerful, becoming truly tragic only in the last pages. Midori captures its mood swings, from passion to serenity, with unerring poise.

The Debussy Sonata, written in 1917 and his final work, is a unique masterpiece. Free yet coherent in form, infinitely imaginative, it combines languid sensuousness, assertive vitality, and sardonic grotesquerie. One would never guess that he was battling illness and the ravages of war at the time. Clearing its formidable technical hurdles with consummate ease, Midori brings out the work's color, character, and expression, taking great liberties with tempo and rhythm, but carefully avoiding exaggeration.

The Saint-Saëns Sonata, written in 1885, is a bravura piece for both instruments, but its rapturous melodies, original rhythms, and expressive contrast give it weight and substance. Its four movements are linked in pairs; the first alternates menacing drama with soaring lyricism, the second is a songful Aria, the third a charming Scherzo. In the Finale, the players chase each other in a marathon "perpetual motion," broken by an occasional melodic outburst in the violin. Naturally, the performance is dazzling, but even here, Midori succeeds in making the brilliance subservient to the music. The record's only flaw is the balance: the piano consistently overpowers the violin. --Edith Eisler

Tracks:

Orchestral Suite #3, 1/Minuet in G+/Gigue in G+ (French Suite #5) - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring/Chromatic Fantasy/Prelude in B - (WTC1) - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Introducing the Orchestra/Organ: Chorale Preludes, "Allein Gott" - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Brandenberg Concerto #5, MVT. 3 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Flute Sonata C+, MVT. 2/Organ; "Es Ist das Heil"/Orchestral Suite ... - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Prelude in C (WTC1)/Orchestral Suite #2, MVT. 2 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Bist du Bei Mir - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Orchestral Suite #2, Badinerie - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Orchestrak Suite #3, Air for the G-String - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Orchestral Suite #3, Gigue - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
"Adventure in Music" - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
Goldberg Variations/Art of Fugue - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
"Liebster Jesu"/Flute Sonata in C, MVT. 4 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir
"We Hasten, " Cantata #78 - Studio Arts Orchestra, The Toronto Boys' Choir

Tracks:

Symphony #7, MVT. 2
Symphony #5, MVT. 1
Piano Sonata, Op 90, MVT. 2/Flute Serenade, Op 23, MVT. 3/Violin ...
Pathue Sonata, Op 13, MVT. 2/Contradanse #1 in Major
Symphony #5, MVT. 2/Piano Sonata, Op 14 #2, MVT. 2/Flute Serenade, ...
Polonaise/La Marmotte/Country Dance in a Major/Fse/Flutnuhr
Sonatina in G Major/Minuet in G Major/Violin "Spring" Sonata, MVT. 1
Moonlight Sonata, Op 27 #2, MVT. 1
Flute Serenade, MVT. 2
Symphony #6, Storm
Nel Cor Piu Variations
Piano Concerto #1, MVT. 1/Piano Concerto #5, MVT. 2
Bass Excerpts from Symphony #9/Violin"Spring Sonata"/Rage Over a ...
Symphony #9, MVT. 4
Sonata Opus 49 #2, MVT. 2
Symphony #6, Shepherd's Theme

Tracks:

Lost in the Opera House: Oh Help Me (Zu Hilfe) - Nils Brown, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Papageno and the Birds: The Best Birdcatcher (Der Vogelfer) - Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Queen of the Night: You Must Free My Daughter (O Zittre Nicht) - Marjorie Sparks, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Pamina Arrives, Papageno's Magic Bells: A Girlfriend (Ein Mhen) - Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Castle of Sarastro: O Endless Night (O Ew'ge Nacht) - Nils Brown, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Magic Flute: O Listen (Wie Stark) - Nils Brown, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Escape: Let Us Hurry (Schnelle FWhat Tinkles So Brightly ... - Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra, Monica Whicher
Sarastro's Welcome: The Gods Above (O Isis) - Gordon McLeod, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Attack of the Queen: The Powers of Night (Der H Rache)/This ... - Marjorie Sparks, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Pamina's Lament: Oh, My Heart Is Broken (Ach, Ich F - St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra, Monica Whicher
In the Labrynth: Seekers of the Light (Der, Welcher ...) - Nils Brown, Gordon McLeod, Marjorie Sparks, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra, Monica Whicher
Papageno and Papagena: Ring, O Bells (Klinget Glhen) - Adriana Braun, Russell Braun, St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra
Conclusion: Our Journey Is Over [Bei Mern] - St. Simon's Choir, Studio Arts Orchestra

Tracks:

Four Seasons, Spring, I, RV 269
Piccolo Concerto, II, RV 293
Arriving at the Pietour Seasons, Autumn, I RV 293/Guitar/Flute ...
Violin Concerto in a Minor, I, RV 356
Four Seasons, Winter, II, RV 297
Guitar Concerto, II, RV 93
Venice by Day/Guitar Concerto, III, RV 93/Four Seasons, Autumn, ...
Sonata for Two Violins, II, RV 50/"Farnace", RV 711, [Recording Premier
Violin Concerto in a Minor, II, RV 356
Venice by Night/La Notte, I, II, III, RV 439
Island of the Dead/Four Seasons, Autumn, II, RV 293
Gardellino, RV 90/Beatus Vir, RV 597/Alma del Core/Violin Sonata ...
Concert Preparations/Piccolo Concerto, I, RV 443/Guitar Concerto, III,
Conclusion/Double Orchestra Concerto, II, RV 585/Guitar Concerto, ...

Customer Reviews:

It stays with them..........2005-10-24

I enjoyed reading the reviews of parents whose kids have recently discovered "Classical Kids." I'm about to order the boxed set for my kids, ages 21, 19 and 16 because the nineteen-year-old, who has a college radio show and loves a wide variety of music, remembers this series (then only on cassette) with great affection and wants to hear them again. Those of you wondering whether it's worth it or not to try to introduce kids to classical music this way, be assured it works. We've turned one of Mr. Bach's lines into a family "saying:" "the more you study, the more you know; the more you know, the more you appreciate; the more you appreciate, the more you love." A great series!

It all started with Beethoven.......2004-02-03

Many years ago I purchased my first CD in this series, "Beethoven Lives Upstairs." My children and I were delighted with it. I then discovered that there were more and searched them all out, one by one. My children, now 11, 9 & 5, have listened to these stories as they fall asleep for years. They each have a favorite composer and have gone on to learn more about them. These stories are a great introduction to some of our greatest composers. Not to mention a good intro to history, too!

Imagine my delight that they are now in one boxed set! Now when asked, I suggest this set. What a great way to get it ALL! I truly believe that by surrounding our children with a variety of good music (including POP music) and information they will grow up with a greater appreciation for music and the arts.

Not What I expected.......2002-09-20

I love the idea, but I don't want to expose my children to the stories in these cd's. They contain children talking back to their parents, disrespectful language, sorcery, etc. If you don't like Harry Potter, you won't like these CD's.

Music, history, culture, & intriguing story -Amazing!.......2002-04-08

My 6 year old son loves music...and stories! Here is the prefect combo. Lovely music of the composer accomapnies a fictional story which weaves the composer's life, the culture of his homeland as well as history...in an intriguing and fun way! Now, my son can pick out pieces he hears on the classical radio station. He really enjoys the stories and can tell people @ carnival in Venice, Italy and tidbits @ Beetoven and the Magic Flute by Mozart! A must for any child with any of these interests! We also have enjoyed the CD's and have learned lots!
I only can wonder...what took whomever so long to broaden our horizons in such a way! BRAVO!

Great series, great collection.......2001-04-22

We've had the CDs in this boxed set for over a year now. The Classical Kids series has been wonderful. We have two boys (now 6 and 8) and this has been a great introduction to classical music. At first, the kids loved the stories which provide a sense of history and place and, ultimately, keep the kids interested in the entire CD. As they listened (time and time again), they started to pay more attention to the musical portions. Recently, we've been able to tell that they've picked up a sense of the music as we've listed to classical music on the car radio. Time and again, they perk up when listening to a piece of music and surprise us by saying "That's Beethoven". Sure enough - they've picked up something about the style of music that's characteristic of Beethoven. Sometimes it's the snippet of music from the CD and other times it's just the rhythms that are characteristic of that piece. As a family, we all recommend this.

Average customer rating:

Interesting CD
Impressive Poulenc... 4 1/2 stars
Fiery, sharp, delicate and bold, yet sophisticated
Midori is an amazing and talented violinist!!

French Violin Sonatas
Midori , Debussy , Poulenc , and Saint-Saens
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006GOA7
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Amazon.com

This beautiful recording displays Midori at her radiant best. Her virtuosity is entirely at the service of the music; her tone is lovely, pure, intense, and expressive, and she adapts it to style, mood, and atmosphere with bow and vibrato. The Poulenc Sonata, written in 1942-43 and dedicated to the memory of Federico Garcia Lorca, is unsettled and unsettling. Irresolute, unpredictable, it veers between stormy turbulence and pleading lyricism. The slow movement is dreamy, tender, improvisatory, with echoes of Debussy; the Finale, called "Presto tragico," is aggressive and almost cheerful, becoming truly tragic only in the last pages. Midori captures its mood swings, from passion to serenity, with unerring poise.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting CD.......2007-05-11

Midori can always be counted on for great recordings, and this is no exception. After hearing probably 20 different people play the Debussy sonata, I'd probably say that this is my second-favorite recording (the first is a live one with Oistrakh and Frida Bauer from the 1960s.) The reviewer below mentioned Kyung-Wha Chung and Radu Lupu as their favorite...well, it's not bad but to quote one of my colleagues, "Chung is way too angular for Debussy." Anyhow, back to this disc.... The Saint-Saens sonata is the highlight. When I first heard this, I had a hard time forgetting the Heifetz/Brooks Smith discing that is just fricking amazing. But after listening to it a few times, I think I like Midori's equally well. Heifetz often played slow movements too fast, and fast movements too fast. Midori's tempos, for just about everything, are much more sensible. In the second movement, she plays the sixteenths in separate bows, which makes it far more interesting. The last movement is paced pretty well too.

Impressive Poulenc... 4 1/2 stars.......2002-12-20

Francis Poulenc wrote three violin sonatas and threw out the first two. We already know that this sonata was dedicated to the emotional violinist Ginette Neveu and that it was written between 1942-1943, think long and hard about the feelings of a French impressionist composer trying to compose while a war is going on for a soloist who plays with unbelievable beauty. Of course the result is a moody yet beautiful composition worthy of attention.

There are few recordings of this work, of the ones I have heard include Grumiaux, Menuhin, Van Keulen, Suk (grandson of the composer), and Kang. I actually like the Grumiaux recording the best but it is only available in Japan and I liked this recording almost as much.

Midori has a very colorful violin tone, a lush vibrato, and a sense of romance in her playing. I remembered thinking of how her Paganini Caprices recording was so colorful and romantic sounding. While I believe this is the wrong approach to play Paganini, I did think she had incredible warmth and feeling in her playing and wanted to hear her play something more in that direction. So here it is, a rarely played masterpiece that has plenty of room for emotional expression. This piece perfectly fits her style and she delivers with a great sounding recording.

The Debussy sonata is much more popular but I don't know why. Forgive me but I don't really listen to it much because I really don't enjoy his violin sonata as much as his great composition "Images" 1 & 2 and many other chamber works. Therefore I will not comment on this performance of the Debussy.

The Saint Saens is my favorite sonata ever written, I recommend the recording of Gil Shaham as alternative to this one.

I completely recommend this CD without hesitation for a great performance of the Poulenc.

Fiery, sharp, delicate and bold, yet sophisticated.......2002-11-01

In this new disc, Midori shows an edgier side of her without losing her usual balancing act.

She sounds miraculous throughout, especially in Poulenc. In Poulenc, sounding so fiery but also very calm at the same time, Midori effectively brings out dichotomizing qualities of the work in a razor sharp performance. Each very fine detail is delicately yet boldly realized with subtle shading of color with such a broad palette, but she never misses the whole view of the music. The contrast between the introverted side and the extroverted side is so beautifully rendered in great depth that the impression of the music would last for a very long time.

Midori's Debussy sounds very very sharp and aggressive (in an extra refined manner as always). But I have to say that such conviction also sounds very imposing, and it lost spontaneity and fantasy from the piece. It felt like as if I were enjoying a very modern art piece in a minimal space... meaning lack of an organic quality; She sounds beautiful but not so engaging. I would recommend Kyung-Wha Chung/Radu Lupu for Debussy.

Then, a great joy comes back with Saint Saens violin sonata. Sounding fiery again, but also with sweeter tones and mesmerizing technique, Midori sounds just breathtaking, especially at the dashing finale. Most violinists play this piece by beautifying each phrase in a calculative way, but Midori brings "wholeness" into the piece. She also gives the piece more weights, but also brings out some "lightness" with clarity and speed.

I also have to mention that the piano (Robert McDonald) sounds just great. He shares the equal weight, and the communication between the violin and the piano is spot-on accurate yet spontaneous. Also I actually liked the recording balance. The piano comes much more forward and sounds magical.

Midori is an amazing and talented violinist!!.......2002-09-25

I bought this cd on a whim, because I wanted to listen to new classical music. Although, I have heard of Camille St.Saens, but I wasn't familiar with Francis Poulenc. Anybody who loves great violin pieces, should buy this cd. In my opinion, I would compare Midori to Joshua Bell, Sarah Chang, and Hillary Hahn. So, if you're looking for unfamiliar classical music played with not only technical excellence but with passion, I suggest you get this cd now!!

Average customer rating:

TRACK LISTING

French Sonatas (Multichannel/Stereo)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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ASIN: B00008PX9C
Release Date: 2003-04-29

Customer Reviews:

TRACK LISTING.......2005-12-04

TRACKS:
1. Massenet: 'Meditation' from Thais
2. Faure: I. Allegro molto (Sonata No. 1 in A Major for Violin and Piano, Op. 13)
3. Faure: Andante
4. Faure: Allegro vivo
5. Faure: Allegro quasi presto
6. Saint-Saens: Havanaise, Op. 83
7. Franck: I. Allegretto ben moderato (Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano)
8. Franck: Allegro
9. Franck: Recitativo - Fanatasia: Ben moderato
10. Franck: Allegretto poco mosso

The Great French Sonatas for Violin & Piano

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The Great French Sonatas for Violin & Piano

Manufacturer: Urania
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000HT36C8
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Average customer rating:

Brilliant collection of violin sonatas

French Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Robert Schumann: Three Sonatas for Violin and Piano
Mozart: The Violin Sonatas
Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos 1-5

ASIN: B0000013O0
Release Date: 1992-12-01

Tracks:

Allegro Vivo
Intermede: Fantasque Et Leger
Finale: Tres Anime
Allegro Agitato - Adagio
Allegretto Moderato - Allegro Molto
Allegretto
Blues: Moderato
Perpetuum Mobile
Allegro Con Fuoco
Intermezzo
Presto Tragico

Amazon.com

This enterprising and very well played budget CD offers the perfect way to collect all of the major French violin sonatas by the great French composers who only wrote one of them. The exception here is Saint-Saëns, who wrote more, but the real musical interest centers around the sonatas by Debussy, Ravel, and Poulenc. Kang is a first-rate violinist who has made several successful recordings for Naxos, and Devoyon partners him perfectly, as well he should, being in his native element. None of these sonatas is particularly long, and each of them contains music uniquely characteristic of its composer. Purely on musical grounds this disc is hard to beat, and the price only adds to the attraction. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant collection of violin sonatas.......2007-03-08

Very well played. The Ravel is especially good.
And at 8.99, it is a steal!! Keep up the good work, Naxos.

Average customer rating:

Don't shoot me, I'm not the piano player

Kyoko Takezawa: French Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000003FCI
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Tracks:

Son: Allegro Vivo
Son: Intermede: Fantasque
Son: Finale: Tres anime
Son: Allegretto
Son: Blues: Moderato
Son: Perpetuum mobile: Allegro
Son No.1, Op.75: Allegro agitato
Son No.1, Op.75: Adagio
Son No.1, Op.75: Allegretto moderato
Son No.1, Op.75: Allegro molto

Customer Reviews:

Don't shoot me, I'm not the piano player.......2005-05-04

Although we do share the same name. There's also an accomplished Grand Prix driver named Rohan de Silva, but we're three different people. Rohan de Silva, the pianist, seems to only accompany the world's best soloists, so if you know nothing else about a CD, if Rohan de Silva is listed at the piano accompanist, you're probably buying some quality music. This rule easily applies here, Takezawa seems to be better known in Japan than in the U.S. but that won't be for long. She is an extremely talented young violinist, and her interpretive abilities are really obvious in her performance of these French violin sonatas. This recording of Ravel's violin sonata is in fact my second favorite Ravel recording (Solti's Bolero on Principals is my number one Ravel favorite) but Takezawa's masterful presentation of Saint-Saens' Sonata number 1 is actually the masterpiece of this CD. I highly recommend this CD to 1)Classical fans who love the French composers 2)Classical fans who love violins and violin solos and 3) Anyone who needs to provide an elegant sound backdrop (you can either listen to this CD carefully and marvel at the skill and artistry of the performers, or, as with any CD of violin solos, you can use it as a relaxing background, better than the sometimes annoying sounds of muzak or smooth jazz, or the more active and sometimes jarring sounds of a symphony).

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French Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: Angel
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00006YX7K
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

I. Allegretto
II. Blues (Moderato)
III. Perpetuum Mobile (Allegro)
I. Allegro Con Fuoco
II. Intermezzo (Tres Lent Et Calme)
III. Presto Tragico
I. Allegro Vivo
II. Intermede (Fantasque Et Leger)
III. Finale (Tres Anime)
Tzigane-Rapsodie De Concert

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The French King's Flautists'

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000016N1
Release Date: 1995-10-24

Tracks:

Son Terza: I. Vivace
Son Terza: II. Largo Poco Andante
Son Terza: III. Allegro
Son Terza: I. Andante
Son Terza: II. Corrente. Allegro
Son Terza: III. Gavotta
Son Terza: IV. Allegro
Son Terza: V. Presto
Son II: I. Andante. Dolce
Son II: II. Allemanda. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Son II: III. Sarabanda. Adagio
Son II: IV. Minuetto. Allegro Non Troppo
II Ste: I. Prld. L'Aime De Mr De La Barre
II Ste: II. La Chauvet
II Ste: III. Sarabande: La Descosteau. Grave
II Ste: IV. Gavotte En Rondeau 'La Rochelloise'. Gay
II Ste: V. Gigue 'La Fiedeau'
Quatrieme Ste: I. Prld. Lentement
Quatrieme Ste: II. Allemande 'La Fontainebleau'. Gravement
Quatrieme Ste: III. Sarabande 'Le Depart'. Douloureusement
Quatrieme Ste: IV. Air 'Le Fleur'. Gayement
Quatrieme Ste: V. Gavotte 'La Mitilde'. Tendrement
Quatrieme Ste: VI. Branle De Vilage 'L'Auteuil'
Quatrieme Ste: VII. Menuet 'Le Beaulieu'. 2 Minuet
Son Seconda: I. Andante E Spicato
Son Seconda: II. Allegro
Son Seconda: III. Minuetto

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French Violin Sonatas
Snitl , and Hala
Manufacturer: Supraphon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00008FTYJ
Release Date: 1994-09-19

Faure-Leclair-Debussy: French Sonatas for Violin and Piano

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Faure-Leclair-Debussy: French Sonatas for Violin and Piano
Hotteterre , Guillemain , and L'Ensemble Arion
Manufacturer: Analekta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000009CWA
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Music Review: