Beethoven: Sonatas for Violin and Piano, Vol 3

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For this third volume in their series of Beethoven’s violin sonatas, Chloë Hanslip (violin) and Danny Driver (piano) tackle two of the A major sonatas, Op 12 No2 & Op 47, and the G major Sonata, Op 96. The first two frame the latter in a manner suggestive of sonata form itself. The first thing to note is the ravishing symbiosis of these two musicians, Driver’s solidly expressive pianism both independently resolute and responsive to Hanslip’s intelligently passionate violin playing. The opening A major sonata is beautifully eloquent, its almost skittish opening movement complemented by the simple logic of the ensuing Andante and Allegro. The later G major, with its breezy countenance, and a softly probing slow movement melody, takes us usefully to the second A major work, the famous Kreuzer

Sonata. The performance ignites every facet of the piece: its fiery drama, impetuosity, intimacy, and the virtuosity of the presto finale.