On this CD, we get to listen to the following music: Prokofiev:
- Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63, with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Jarvi conducting.
- Sonata in D major for solo violin, Op. 115
- Sonata for Two Violins in C Major, Op. 56, with Tedi Papravami (violin II).
Performed by Viktoria Mullova (violin) Viktoria Mullova’s new album is an all Prokofiev CD, recorded live, with the lyrical 2nd violin concerto joined with the solo violin sonata and the sonata for two violins. Robert Soetens premiered the Duo Sonata in Paris in December 1932, partnered by Samuel Dushkin, for whom Stravinsky had recently composed a Violin Concerto. Knowing of Prokofiev’s rivalry with Stravinsky, Soetens persuaded Prokofiev to write him a concerto. Composed in 1935 just before Prokofiev resettled in Soviet Russia, the Second Violin Concerto includes in its central movement one of his most celebrated long-arching melodies. The Solo Sonata was an official commission, which was composed towards the end of Prokofiev’s life. Originally intended for an ensemble of talented child violinists, Prokofiev so wrote the work that it could equally be played by a soloist. Here is Viktoria Mullova playing Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63, the beautiful second movement, Andante assai: https://youtu.be/PSYnunfw1m0 And next, here is Viktoria Mullova’s interview in 1992 at her house where she is practicing Prokofiev Violin Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 80 prior to her concert in the Barbican Hall, London:
