Another young performer:
- Jennifer Pike plays Brahms and Schumann
Every amateur violinist has at one time or another struggled with the three wonderful sonatas by Brahms. Historically the composer may well have written these for his good friend, violinist Joseph Joachim, with whom he concertized throughout Europe.
I am no exception: I love these three sonatas, too!
On this CD we hear from another young promising violinist, Jennifer Pike; she plays for us the following selections:
Brahms:
- Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major, Op. 78
Schumann:
- Violin Sonata No. 1 in A minor, Op. 105
Schumann, Clara:
- Romances (3), Op. 22
Performed by Jennifer Pike (violin) and Tom Poster (piano)
In the Sonata by Johannes Brahms, the violin is always the principal voice, but the piano never a competitor, but rather a subtle accompanist. The Finale of the Brahms sonata has a quotation of ‘Regenlied’, one of Brahms’ great songs.
Robert Schumann’s Violin Sonata No. 1 was written in 1851. The public premiere was given by Ferdinand David and Clara Schumann in March 1852, but it was not until Joseph Joachim’s performance the following year that the work received the recognition it deserved.
In her lifetime, Clara Schumann was best known as a great pianist, but up until her thirties she composed a fair amount of music, including a Piano Concerto, songs, and many piano pieces. “Three Romances” was the only work she wrote for the combination of piano and violin, and while the violin is allowed to sing out throughout, the subtlety and complexity of the piano part testify to its having been composed by a pianist of the first rank.
In 2002, at the age of twelve, Jennifer Pike notably became the youngest-ever winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. She has given performances throughout the UK and abroad and, and is widely regarded as one of the finest violinists in Britain.
Tom Poster is internationally recognized as a pianist of outstanding artistry and versatility, equally in demand as a soloist and as a chamber musician across an unusually extensive repertoire.
Here is Jennifer Pike, talking about herself, and playing the Cesar Frank A-Major sonata:
And next, here is Jennifer Pike in rehearsal playing the famous Largo from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Winter)
Tags: Jennifer Pike, Schumann, Brahms, violinist, Vivaldi