Album

Well-known today as one of the principal instructors of Vieutemps, Charles August de Bériot was an accomplished soloist and composer in his own right. As many good authors do, Bériot wrote what he knew best: violin music. Thanks to Naxos, quality recordings are now available of a significant quantity of his compositions. This installment features the Three Duos Concertants of Op. 57 and the Six Duos caractéristiques of Op. 113. Upon first listening, these pieces are charming, witty, and charismatic. While these characterizations are accurate, they belie the hefty technical demands that Bériot places on performers. The primary melodic instrument (which does not rest solely with one violin or the other) must overcome its own set of pyrotechnic brilliance while maintaining long, elegant lines. Meanwhile, the accompanying violin is dealing with a host of double stops, rapid arpeggios, and intricate pizzicato. Violinists Christine Sohn and John Marcus do such a splendid job of dealing with these technical demands that listeners can truly only hear the charm of Bériot's music instead of performance difficulty. Dynamics, articulation, and intonation are all virtually flawless throughout the album. Sohn and Marcus blend their sounds together quite well, and the balance allows the melody to come to the fore while still being able to hear the elaborate harmony. Naxos's sound on this disc is a little bit distant, but does not greatly detract from overall enjoyment.

© Mike D. Brownell, All Music Guide

CD 1
Charles August de Bériot Composer Duo Concertants (3) for 2 violins, Op 57 Work 52:41 John Marcus Violin, Christine Sohn Violin
1	Duo concertante No.1 in G-, Op.57. Moderato	7:02			$1.49
2	Duo concertante No.1 in G-, Op.57. Adagio moderato	5:49			$0.99
3	Duo concertante No.1 in G-, Op.57. Rondo: Allegro con spirito	3:20			$0.99
4	Duo concertante No.2 in E-, Op.57. Moderato con spirito	7:09			$1.49
5	Duo concertante No.2 in E-, Op.57. Andante	5:19			$0.99
6	Duo concertante No.2 in E-, Op.57. Rondo: Allegro	7:25			$1.49
7	Duo concertante No.3 in D, Op.57. Moderato	7:47			$1.49
8	Duo concertante No.3 in D, Op.57. Adagio	4:35			$0.99
9	Duo concertante No.3 in D, Op.57. Allegretto	4:15			$0.99
Charles August de Bériot Composer Duet(s) for 2 violin Work 21:05 John Marcus Violin, Christine Sohn Violin
10	No.1 in G: Adagio	4:46			$0.99
11	No.2 in C: Moderato, Tempo di marcia	3:11			$0.99
12	No.3 in Eb: Andante cantabile	3:40			$0.99
13	No.4 in C-: Allegretto, Tempo di Fandango	2:37			$0.99
14	No.5 in A-: Andantino	3:08			$0.99
15	No.6 in D: Moderato, Tempo di bolero	3:43			$0.99