Franck / Fauré / Prokofiev: Sonatas

 
Franck / Fauré / Prokofiev: Sonatas cover
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FRANCK / FAURE / PROKOFIEV
Franck / Fauré / Prokofiev: Sonatas
Sharon Bezaly (flute), Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano)

[ BIS SACD / Hybrid SACD ]

Release Date: Friday 20 October 2017

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The flautist Sharon Bezaly has, over the past 20 years, released some 40 discs on BIS, recordings which have contributed to the international recognition that she enjoys. Both on disc and in concert she has done much to champion new repertoire - she has had no less than 20 concertos dedicated to her. On her new disc, however, she turns to core repertoire, although not necessarily that of her own instrument.

The two sonatas by César Franck and Gabriel Fauré were composed with the violin in mind, and even though Prokofiev's sonata was originally intended for the flute it is often heard in the composer's own version for violin and piano. But joined by the legendary pianist and conductor Vladimir Askenazy, Sharon Bezaly now claims (and reclaims) the three works for her own instrument, in eloquent performances that make the best possible case for the flute.

"The Swedish-based Israeli has phenomenal strength and versatility, combined with crystalline clarity of sound. Her 24-carat gold, custom-built Muramatsu flute is reminiscent of James Galway, but this is not a marketing fad; the luxurious sound is partly attributable to the glorious instrument." BBC Music

"The flute just cannot dominate the piano the same way a solo violin can. Bezaly's pianist is none other than Vladimir Ashkenazy, who is ever sensitive but is noticeably placed towards the background to disguise the mismatch. Bezaly's playing is attractive, strong in alt, with quicksilver precision and a fabulous trill to close the second movement of the Franck Sonata." Gramophone

Tracks:

César Franck
Sonata in A major for violin and piano 27'30
01 I. Allegretto ben moderato 6'18
02 II. Allegro 7'50
03 III. Ben moderato: Recitativo-Fantasia 6'37
04 IV. Allegretto poco mosso 6'45


Gabriel Fauré
Sonata No.1 in A major for violin and piano, Op. 13 24'19
05 I. Allegro molto 9'18
06 II. Andante 6'18
07 III. Allegro vivo 3'30
08 IV. Allegro quasi presto 5'13


Sergey Prokofiev
Sonata in D major for flute and piano, Op. 94 23'12
09 I. Moderato 8'12
10 II. Scherzo. Presto 4'42
11 III. Andante 3'30
12 IV. Allegro con brio 6'48

Vladimir Ashkenazy and Sharon Bezaly talk about the recording