Toch: Violin Sonata No. 1 - Cello Sonata - String Trio

Ernst Toch's "Toch: Violin Sonata No. 1 - Cello Sonata - String Trio" is a captivating collection of chamber works that showcases the composer's unique voice and technical prowess. Released on April 1, 2014, under the Naxos label, this album spans a little over an hour and sixteen minutes, offering a rich and varied listening experience.

The album opens with the String Trio, Op. 63, a three-movement work that highlights Toch's ability to blend classical forms with modern sensibilities. The Cello Sonata, Op. 50, follows, featuring a playful "Intermezzo" titled "Die Spinne" and a lively finale. The Divertimento, Op. 37, No. 1, adds a lighthearted touch with its three contrasting movements.

The album concludes with the Violin Sonata No. 1, Op. 21, a work that demonstrates Toch's mastery of the sonata form. Throughout the album, Toch's compositions are marked by their inventiveness, technical challenges, and expressive depth. This recording is a testament to Toch's enduring contribution to the chamber music repertoire.