Four modern composers and predictably this disc is a veritable audible challenge
but can have its rewarding moments as is is amply demonstrated by Hope and
Mulligan. The Shostakovitch sonata contains some deeply emotional moments
rather in the mould of his Third Quartet, the three movements are extremely
soul searching and personally deeply felt The wonderful opening Andante is
quite magnificently played by Hope who negotiates all the notes with a corporate
attack that enhances the music's power of suggestion. I was also deeply moved
by the desolate and barren third movement marked Largo-Andante where
the solo violin takes on an almost hallowed sunset-like quality. The same
could not be said for Penderecki's Cadenza for Solo Violin, which
exploits the dissonant textures of the violin to the point of sheer discord.
With Part's lovely mirror work we are back in the realm of the holistic and
Hope is unchallenged in his spiritual intensity. Schnittke is another towering
colossus of the 20th century and his severe Third Sonata contains a movement
marked 'Senza tempo', typical Schnittke but captivating in the best
sesnse.
Throughout the disc, Daniel Hope and Simon Mulligan play with a demonic intensity
and astounding technical ability that continue to confirm their status as
one of the best chamber partnerships around in the sonata repertoire. The
extensive notes by Hope lets us into the true meanings of these strangely
beautiful works. As a monument to the artistic icons of twentieth century
sonatas this disc is essential, indeed indispensable.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
Daniel Hope: Violin, Simon Mulligan (piano) 
