Both Zygmunt Noskowski and Władysław Żeleński were leading exponents of Polish nationalism in the period from the last quarter of the 19th century. Noskowski is best remembered as a symphonist but his large-scale Violin Sonata in A minor is an imposing work that suggests the influence both of Beethoven’s ‘Kreutzer’ Sonata and of Brahms. Żeleński was as eminent a teacher as he was a composer, seeking to broaden Poland’s provincial outlook through works such his opera Janek (Naxos 866052122). His Violin Sonata in F major typifies the essentially conservative idiom that Żeleński pursued in his maturity.

Violinist Laurence Kayaleh has made a number of albums for Naxos. Her recording of Catoire’s violin works (8573345) together with pianist Stéphane Lemelin is ‘flawless and beguiling’ according to BBC Music Magazine. American Record Guide also commended her performance in Medtner’s works for violin and piano (8570298): ‘Laurence Kayaleh is a real virtuoso violinist. She doesn’t trip over any of Medtner’s runs or fast, bounced bowings...’