Hahn plays Ives
Recently violinist Hilary Hahn released an album of all of Ives’ violin and piano sonatas. These sonatas are beautifully performed by two terrific artists who have collaborated together for several years now.
Violinist Hilary Hahn and Ukrainian-born piano virtuoso Valentina Lisitsa, perform the four challenging sonatas by America’s composer Charles Ives (1874-1954) on this new CD.
Like Aaron Copland, the composer Charles Ives made a huge impact on the development of American music. He was able to combine the sounds of American church music and folk music to create a unique sound of his own. Many of Charles Ives’ works were either ignored or simply not performed for many years. Even now, his orchestral music is rarely included in the programs of major orchestras, with the exception of the ones where conductors champion Ives’ works.
The First Sonata is somewhat conservative and mostly tonal. The Second Sonata is split into three movements, each carrying a title: “Autumn”, “In the Barn”, and “The Revival”. The next sonata aims to “express the feeling and fervor – a fervor that was often more vociferous than religious – with which the hymns and revival tunes were sung at the Camp Meetings held extensively in New England in the 70’s and 80’s.” The final sonata is lighter in mood and smaller in scope than the other three pieces.
“It’s not exactly sight-reading music,” says Hahn. “I mean I’m sure there are people who can sight-read Ives but I’m not one of them. It’s just tricky to put together. If you haven’t really heard it, you don’t know where the landmarks are and what you’re aiming for.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Ives
Here are the tracks on this CD:
1. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.1 – 1. Andante – Allegro vivace
2. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.1 – 2. Largo cantabile
3. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.1 – 3. Allegro
4. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.2 – 1. Autumn. Adagio maestoso – Allegro moderato
5. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.2 – 2. In the Barn. Presto – Allegro moderato
6. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.2 – 3. The Revival. Largo – Allegretto
7. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.3 – 1. Adagio (Verse I) – Andante (Verse II) – Allegretto (Verse III) – Adagio (Last Verse)
8. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.3 – 2. Allegro
9. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.3 – 3. Adagio (Cantabile) – Andante con spirito
10. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.4 “Children’s Day At The Camp Meeting” – 1. Allegro
11. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.4 “Children’s Day At The Camp Meeting” – 2. Largo – Allegro (con slugarocko)
12. Sonata for Violin and Piano No.4 “Children’s Day At The Camp Meeting” – 3. Allegro
Enjoy this video which provides some excellent comments on the music, and also displays the fine partnership between the performers
Tags: Hilary Hahn, Valentina Lisitsa, Charles Ives, violin sonatas