Brahms Violin Sonatas

Bella Hristova | Michael Houstoun

The Brahms Violin Sonatas are at the core of the violin and piano duo repertoire. From the exquisitely ﬂowing melodies of the G major sonata to the warm-heartedness of the A major sonata and ﬁnally to the vast and turbulent D minor sonata, the music is ﬁlled with deeply felt emotion. Not a single note is out of place. These works represent a never-ending journey for those who play them, revealing more each time they are played and transporting us directly into Brahms’s soul.

Produced by Kenneth Young
Engineered by John Kim and Steve Garden
Recorded in the Gallagher Theatre, Waikato University, July 2022
Cover image ‘Shifting on Water’ by Kim Van Someren (University of Washington)
Design by UnkleFranc
Printing by Studio Q

Released: 04 September 2023
Catalogue: RAT-D144

Bella HRISTOVA

Acclaimed as a player with impressive power, passion, and control, a beautiful sound, and compelling command of her instrument, violinist Bella Hristova is a musician with an assured international career. She is an ardent proponent of contemporary new music and is a highly sought-after chamber musician who has performed in many of the premier venues of the world.

Michael HOUSTOUN

Widely celebrated as New Zealand’s finest pianist, Michael has enjoyed a thriving career as a concerto soloist, recitalist, conductor, and chamber musician. This release marks his eleventh for Rattle, eight of which as the principal artist, and all of which have been critically acclaimed landmarks of NZ music.