Ravel - Complete Music for Violin and Piano
Lekeu - Violin Sonata
Ibragimova; Tiberghien
Hyperion CDA67820

Release date September 2011

One of Hyperion Records’ latest releases brings together Alina Ibragimova and Cedric Tiberghien in a disc of Lekeu and Ravel. Lekeu’s violin sonata, whilst completely new to me, is a worthwhile discovery. Lekeu (1870 – 1894) wrote the sonata for the virtuoso Eugene Ysaye, and from the outset it demands a huge amount of the violinist. The sound-world created, though quite different to that of Ravel’s, complements it. (Lekeu’s primary musical influence is thought to have been that of Cesar Franck.) Turning to the works of Ravel, it is apparent that both of his violin sonatas show off Ibragimova’s and Tiberghien’s ability to capture the fluidity of the music. The two parts dance seamlessly together: just listen to the first movement of Violin Sonata no. 2. The long build-up through this movement is brilliantly performed and soon gives way to the quirky Blues second movement. Here, Ibragimova makes the most of the glissandi, turning them into something very languid and jazzy. In turn, Tiberghien seems to relish the spikiness of the piano accompaniment. For me, although I have heard the sonata on numerous occasions previously, the overall impact of what both musicians chose to accentuate was almost as though I was hearing the work through new ears. Tzigane, influenced by the Hungarian czardas, starts off sounding quite unlike the Ravel we are used to. It is only when the piano joins in after nearly five minutes of solo violin that a familiar rippling undertone is heard. Ravel’s Berceuse sur le nom de Gabriel Fauré brings the recital to gentle and graceful close. For those who were lucky enough to hear Ibragimova play at this year’s Edinburgh Festival, this CD may just act as a reminder of the young Russian’s performance. For everyone else, it is a more than adequate consolation prize!

Reviewed by Ruth Taylor