Raff, J.: Violin Sonatas Nos. 2 and 5

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Joachim Raff's Violin Sonatas with this exquisite album, featuring the brilliant performances of Ariadne Daskalakis on violin and Roglit Ishay on piano. Released in 2006 by Tudor, this album showcases two of Raff's most compelling works: the Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 78, and the Violin Sonata No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 145.

Raff, a Swiss composer and contemporary of Liszt and Wagner, is known for his rich, romantic compositions that blend technical virtuosity with deep emotional expression. The Violin Sonata No. 2, composed in 1855, is a four-movement work that begins with a lively and warm first movement, followed by a slow, introspective second movement. The third movement is a lively scherzo, and the sonata concludes with a fiery finale. The Violin Sonata No. 5, composed in 1871, is a more dramatic work, with a passionate first movement, a lyrical second movement, a lively third movement, and a dramatic finale.

This album offers a total duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes of exquisite music, expertly performed by Daskalakis and Ishay. The recording quality is superb, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the nuances and depth of Raff's compositions. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a fantastic introduction to the works of Joachim Raff and a testament to the enduring power of his music.