George Enescu's "Complete Works for Violin & Piano, Vol. 2" is a captivating collection of his renowned compositions, released on April 7, 2015, under the Naxos label. This album spans a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical artistry.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, including the Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Op. 2, which showcases Enescu's mastery of classical form and emotional depth. The sonata is divided into three movements: I. Allegro vivo, II. Quasi adagio, and III. Allegro, each revealing different facets of Enescu's compositional genius.
In addition to the sonata, the album includes a variety of other works such as the Ballade, Op. 4a, Tarantelle, Aubade, and Hora Unirii, each offering a unique musical experience. The Impressions d'enfance, Op. 28, is a particularly noteworthy suite, consisting of ten movements that evoke vivid childhood memories and scenes. These pieces, titled Ménétrier, Vieux mendiant, Ruisselet au fond du jardin, L'oiseau au cage et le coucou au mur, Chanson pour bercer, Grillon, Lune à travers les vitres, Vent dans la cheminée, Tempête au dehors, dans la nuit, and Lever de soleil, provide a rich tapestry of musical storytelling.
Performed by Axel Strauss on violin and Ilya Poletaev on piano, this album is a testament to the enduring appeal of Enescu's music. The collaboration between these two talented musicians brings out the nuanced expressions and technical brilliance of Enescu's compositions, making this album a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.