Viktoria Mullova and Alasdair Beatson present their first release with Signum Classics. The works presented on this recording span the final decade of Schubert’s life. Beginning with the Sonata in A of 1817, its lyrical, wistful opening giving way to a Viennese joy and exuberance. Closing with the Rondo in B minor of 1826, thrilling in its heroic journey through an abundance of themes, with twists and turns almost competitively athletic between the two instruments. At the heart of the recording, the Fantasie in C of 1827 – a music unutterably inspired, ravishingly beautiful, a tour de force of colour and texture, an unpredictable and unparalleled dreamlike vision of another world.
Viktoria Mullova is known internationally as a violinist of exceptional versatility and musical integrity. Her curiosity spans the breadth of musical development from baroque and classical right up to the most contemporary influences from the world of fusion and experimental music.
Scottish pianist Alasdair Beatson works prolifically as a soloist and chamber musician. Renowned as a sincere musician and intrepid programmer, he champions wider repertoire with particular interest in Beethoven, Schumann and Schubert among others.
★★★★★ Performance, ★★★★★ Recording “Profoundly intimate performance… To hear Alasdair Beatson’s exquisitely subtle rendering of the C-major fantasies opening oscillations and the way Viktoria Mullova segues into the fluttering textures as though she is me merely breathing on her strings, is to enter a world in which every tiny gesture is of vital significance.” – BBC Music Magazine
“Viktoria Mullova lavishes her laser-like focus and intense musicality on these works… In faster, louder music – the Scherzo of the Sonata, for example, or much of the Rondo – the Graf holds its own in the discourse, and the shimmering opening of the Fantasy is as beguiling as it ever should be…These three works are not commonly paired in period instrument performances such as this…[the] blazing commitment [is] on display from both players.” – Gramophone
“There is an attractive smokiness to Viktoria Mullova’s playing on gut strings which gives these performances a truly domestic chamber feeling…the sense of this being a labour of love shines through…in the faster movements all her agility and vivacity moves the music along with proper drive.” – Present Arts