A wonderful program of Czech classics for violin and piano, this coupling of Dvorák's Sonata and Nocturne with his star pupil Josef Suk's Four Pieces is a substantial contribution to the repertoire. Violinist Pavel Sporcl is a powerful advocate for both composers. He finds a depth and a lyrical mastery in Dvorák's Sonata that rank it with Brahms' Sonata in G major and a passionate intensity in the Nocturne that ranks it among the best in nineteenth century seduction music. And he likewise finds a dramatic flamboyance and an ...
Read More
A wonderful program of Czech classics for violin and piano, this coupling of Dvorák's Sonata and Nocturne with his star pupil Josef Suk's Four Pieces is a substantial contribution to the repertoire. Violinist Pavel Sporcl is a powerful advocate for both composers. He finds a depth and a lyrical mastery in Dvorák's Sonata that rank it with Brahms' Sonata in G major and a passionate intensity in the Nocturne that ranks it among the best in nineteenth century seduction music. And he likewise finds a dramatic flamboyance and an ardent romanticism in Suk's Four Pieces that may persuade nonbelievers that they rank with the most virtuosically charismatic works of Ysa˙e. Sporcl has the supple technique and the warm-hearted tone of the great Czech violinists, but his attack is more biting and his brilliance more coruscating. Pianist Petr Jirikovský is a supremely able accompanist who supports and challenges Sporcl in equal measure and who sticks with him even in the rhapsodic tempo rubato of the closing...
Read Less