Two great interpreters, poets and lovers of the French repertory and chamber music join forces here: the violinist Tedi Papavrami and the pianist Nelson Goerner. They have chosen to devote this programme to the two violin sonatas of Gabriel Fauré and the Sonata of César Franck. It was in 1875 that Fauré composed his First Sonata for violin and piano, characterised by its originality and its formal design, which marked the start of a new era for French chamber music. In 1916, having continued to write for small ensembles all his life, he composed the Second Sonata, imbued with both heartfelt lyricism and complexity. Nine years after Fauré’s Sonata no.1, Franck – less prolific in the intimate chamber genre – composed his only Sonata, now one of the most frequently played of all works for violin and piano.

“Goerner is a master… He gives the impression of playing everything from the inside out, removing all barriers between the listener and composer.” - BBC Music Magazine

“Tedi Papavrami is evidently someone to shout about, playing with flawless technique.” - Classic CD

Reviews

Pianist Nelson Goerner and violinist Tedi Papavrami clinch the muscular, urgent nature of the music as well as its sensitivity and flux; the rigour and classicism as well as the whimsy. It’s very much an equal partnership, with Goerner urging things on and Papavrami responding with generous, full-toned lyricism. The Franck sonata gets a particularly fine performance – intelligent, forthright playing from both musicians. Kate Molleson

The Guardian 25 May 2017