The violin and viola sonatas of
Shostakovich were both composed quite late in the composer's life. The viola sonata, in fact, was his last composition that he did not survive to hear performed. Both compositions show a great deal of introspection and solidarity, not surprising for an embattled composer like
Shostakovich late in life. They also show the true maturity and fluidity of his compositional skills.
Shostakovich freely incorporated not only the techniques of other living composers (the first theme of the violin sonata is a twelve-tone theme) but also tipped his hat to the masters of the past (the finale of the viola sonata quotes Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata).
The performances on this particular album are truly exceptional.
Isabelle van Keulen is equally at home on the violin and the viola. In fact, her tone on the violin is so dark and robust that it at times almost sounds like a viola. Her sound is clean and focused, uncluttered by any overuse of vibrato or bow fluctuations. Her intonation is very precise, even in the difficult chords of the viola sonata finale. She excels at capturing the solidarity and solemnity of these two late works. Equally important to the success of both sonatas is the piano, and
Ronald Brautigam gives listeners an equally pleasing performance. His accompaniment is sensitive and matches
van Keulen's sound exactly. This recording is absolutely recommended for any
Shostakovich collection or for listeners looking for their first recording of these two works.