Tasmin Little and Piers Lane – Franck, Szymanowski, Fauré
In my previous reviews of Tasmin Little/Piers Lane recordings, I remarked on their chemistry, and how that transformed the music. It’s still in effect.
Little and Lane perform as equal partners, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. César Franck’s Sonata is given an evocative and yet sometimes understated reading that seems well-suited to the character of the work.
Little and Lane play Fauré’s Romance in B-flat major with a delicate simplicity that makes this oft-recorded work sound fresh and new again.
Szymanowski’s music makes up the remainder of the album. In the sonata, the team shows they can play powerfully when the music merits it. Little digs deep into this music, illuminating the structural drama that keeps the music moving forward.
The Romance in D major veritably sings in this recording. Tasmin’s Little’s playing always delivers a beautifully rounded tone, even in the extreme high register. That skill makes this performance of the Romance one of the most moving I’ve heard.
The disc concludes with Szymanowski’s Nocturne and Tarantella. Little manages to evoke both images of Spain and the Tatra Mountains in her playing. And it’s an interpretation that works.
Tasmin Little and Piers Lane make a wonderful team. Highly recommended to all interested in true musical artistry.
Tasmin Little: Franck Szymanowski, Fauré
Tasmin Little, violin; Piers Lane, piano
Chandos
