Vierne & Franck: Violin Sonatas

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of French 19th-century chamber music with Alina Ibragimova's exquisite album, "Vierne & Franck: Violin Sonatas." This remarkable collaboration with pianist Cédric Tiberghien showcases two profound and lyrical violin sonatas that epitomize the romantic and noble spirit of the era.

The album opens with Charles-François Gounod's Violin Sonata in A Major, CFF 123, a piece that is both elegant and introspective. The four movements, ranging from the delicate "Allegretto ben moderato" to the dramatic "Recitativo-Fantasia," offer a rich tapestry of emotions and technical virtuosity. Following this is César Franck's renowned Violin Sonata in A Major, a masterpiece that has become a cornerstone of the violin repertoire. The sonata's depth and complexity are beautifully captured by Ibragimova and Tiberghien, who bring out the work's lyrical and dramatic qualities with stunning clarity and sensitivity.

The album also includes Gabriel Fauré's Violin Sonata in G Minor, Op. 23, a work that is both intense and lyrical. The sonata's four movements, from the resolute "Allegro risoluto" to the impassioned "Largamente – Allegro agitato," showcase the artists' ability to convey a wide range of emotions and technical prowess. The album concludes with a Nocturne for Violin and Piano, a piece that adds a touch of serenity and reflection to the collection.

Recorded in 2019 and released under the Hyperion label, this album is a testament to the artistic synergy between Ibragimova and Tiberghien. Their performances are marked by a deep understanding of the music and a commitment to bringing out its full expressive potential. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the beauty and depth of French chamber music.

1 maart 2019

℗ 2019 Hyperion Records Limited

About Alina Ibragimova

Alina Ibragimova, a Russian-British violinist, is renowned for her versatility and the immediacy and honesty of her performances. Born in Polevskoy, Russia, Ibragimova began her musical journey at the age of four and quickly showcased her prodigious talent, performing with orchestras such as the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra by the age of six. Her musical education spans prestigious institutions, including the Gnessin School of Music in Moscow, the Yehudi Menuhin School, and the Royal College of Music in the UK, where she is now an International Artist in Residence. Ibragimova's repertoire ranges from Baroque music to contemporary commissions, and she performs on both modern and period instruments, including a 1738 Pietro Guarneri of Venice violin. Her playing is celebrated for its purity of intonation and her ability to integrate seamlessly with orchestras, avoiding ostentatious virtuosity in favor of a more collaborative and musically engaging approach. Ibragimova has made a significant impact on the classical music scene, with notable performances at the BBC Proms and collaborations with leading orchestras worldwide. Her unique style and deep musical understanding make her one of the most compelling violinists of her generation.