Bartok's music receives red-blooded, totally committed performances by three of Scandinavia's most gifted musicians on a disc ranging from the striking modernism of the Second Violin Sonata, via the jazz flirtation of Contrasts to the magisterial Bach homage of the Sonata for Solo Violin. While working on his eerie and haunting ballet The Miraculous Mandarin Bartok came under the influence of fellow composers Stravinsky and Schonberg, and produced some of his most complex music in the two violin sonatas of 1921-22. The Sonata No. 2 in particular has become a standard chamber music work of the 20th century, displaying all the characteristics of Bartok's eminent style of writing. Cast in two contrasting movements (the first improvisational in character, the latter energetic like a steam locomotive), the work displays some breathtaking qualities. Both instruments engage in a veritable battle for attention, and the use of tritional motifs and chords is as evident here as in Contrasts.

Features:
• 5.1 Surround Sound

Musicians:
Annar Folleso, violin
Bjorn Nyman, clarinet
Christian Ihle Hadland, piano

Selections:
Bela Bartok
1-4. Sonata for solo violin
5-6. Sonata II for violin and piano
7-9. Contrasts for violin, clarinet and piano