Album

Violinist Frank Almond and pianist William Wolfram unite again for another impressive chamber music offering. Like their debut album of the Brahms violin sonatas, this recording demonstrates that artists who are less well-known can produce music that rivals or exceeds the output of artists with much more name recognition. On this recording, Almond and Wolfram focus on three sonatas that are too often neglected in the repertoire—those of Respighi, Janácek, and Richard Strauss. These three composers, in addition to being born within 25 years of each other, share the distinction of being predominantly recognized as orchestral composers. As such, their violin sonatas have a broad scope and almost symphonic approach. This alone creates difficulty for effective chamber music as balance becomes a paramount concern. Almond and Wolfram have no apparent difficulties conquering this issue; at no point in even the thickest textures is it difficult to hear every note. Almond's sound is focused and piercing, while at the same time warm and rich—an apparent contradiction that Almond nevertheless is able to achieve. Intonation, articulation, and pacing are exemplary, and the musical vision between the two artists is precisely in line. Aficionados of violin chamber works, lesser-known works of major composers, or just consummate music-making should absolutely buy this album.

© Mike D. Brownell, All Music Guide

CD 1
Ottorino Respighi Composer Violin Sonata in B-, P.110 Work 26:29 Frank Almond Violin, William Wolfram Piano
1	1.Moderato	9:16			$0.99
2	2.Andante espressivo	9:23			$0.99
3	3.Passacaglia: Allegro moderato ma energico	7:50			$0.99
Leoš Janáček Composer Violin Sonata, JW 7/7 Work 18:15 Frank Almond Violin, William Wolfram Piano
4	1.Con moto	5:01			$0.99
5	2.Ballada: Con moto	5:09			$0.99
6	3.Allegretto	2:37			$0.99
7	4.Adagio	5:28			$0.99
Richard Strauss Composer Violin Sonata in Eb, Op.18, TrV151 Work 26:42 Frank Almond Violin, William Wolfram Piano
8	1.Allegro, ma non troppo	10:43			Album Only
9	2.Improvisation: Andante cantabile	8:04			$0.99
10	3.Finale: Andante. Allegro	7:55			$0.99