Szymanowski: Complete Music for Violin and Piano

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Karol Szymanowski's complete music for violin and piano, meticulously compiled in this 2015 release by Brilliant Classics. Spanning a generous 1 hour and 50 minutes, this two-disc collection offers a comprehensive journey through Szymanowski's compositions, showcasing his mastery of the violin and piano duo.

The album opens with the intense and dramatic Violin Sonata in D Minor, Op. 9, a three-movement work that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. It continues with a variety of pieces, from the lyrical and expressive Romance in D Major, Op. 23, to the virtuosic and playful 3 Caprices de Paganini, Op. 40. The Mythes, Op. 30, a set of three pieces inspired by Greek mythology, offers a glimpse into Szymanowski's imaginative and evocative compositional style.

The album also features a selection of traditional Polish music, including the lively Pies'n' Roksany - Chant de Roxane and the rhythmic Taniec z "Harnasiów" - Dance from Harnasie. The 12 Kurpian Songs, Op. 58, provide a taste of the folk music of the Kurpie region in northeastern Poland.

The album is performed by the talented duo of Bruno Monteiro on violin and Joao Paulo Santos on piano. Their sensitive and nuanced interpretations bring out the full range of emotions and colors in Szymanowski's music, making this album a true delight for classical music enthusiasts. Whether you're a longtime fan of Szymanowski or a newcomer to his music, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.

Karol Szymanowski, born in 1882, was a pioneering Polish composer and pianist, celebrated as one of Poland's most significant musical figures since Frédéric Chopin. A key member of the modernist Young Poland movement, Szymanowski's work is characterised by its exotic and richly perfumed language, reflecting his unique artistic vision. Born into a family of landowners in Ukraine, his life and music were deeply influenced by the political and social upheavals of his time, particularly the reshaping of Europe after the First World War. Szymanowski's compositions, which span various genres within the classical tradition, are known for their individuality and profound emotional depth. His piano works, in particular, are renowned for their distinctive cycles and innovative approach. Beyond his compositions, Szymanowski was also a notable thinker and educator, leaving a lasting impact on Polish music and culture.