music

Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas Vol 1 album review

Ibragimova/Tiberghien(BIS)Violinist Alina Ibragimova and pianist Cédric Tiberghien, on period instruments, offer zest-filled and elegant readings of four Beethoven sonatas

Beethoven: The Violin Sonatas Vol 1 album review

TL;DR

  • Alina Ibragimova (violin) and Cédric Tiberghien (piano) perform Beethoven's Violin Sonatas on period instruments.
  • The recording features Op 12 sonatas and the Spring Sonata.
  • Interpretations are characterized as zest-filled, elegant, fresh, and dynamic.
  • Ibragimova's playing shows a wide dynamic range, while Tiberghien exhibits quicksilver technique and percussive left hand.
  • The performances capture the theatricality, high spirits, shapely elegance, and buoyant optimism of the sonatas.
  • Nature imagery in the Spring Sonata is brought out through 'birdcall' effects and expressive phrasing.
  • BIS's SACD sound is noted as detailed and convincingly natural.