A concert by Freya Goldmark and Patrick Hemmerlé

Franck Violin sonata

Chausson Poème

Catoire Violin sonata no. 2 “Poème”

Franck’s violin Sonata has achieved immense popularity with both performers and audiences. It is not difficult to see why, for it combines a wealth of unforgettable melodies, a richly chromatic harmony, an expressive sound world of searing intensity, and a formal design of great originality. Chausson was one of Franck’s most talented students, the most Wagnerian of French composers. His Poème for Violin and Piano, or orchestra, is his most often performed work. A one movement brooding and passionate outpouring, it is a centrepiece in the repertoire of most violinists. Georgy Catoire was a Russian composer of French descent. The Sonate-Poème, his greatest work, was famously recorded by David Oïstrakh. A vast one movement work lasting around 20 minutes, it is a rare example of stylistic fusion between two very different musical heritages.

Freya Goldmark is a keen chamber musician, leader of the Ligeti Quartet and Director of the Stamford International Music Festival.

Host or Publisher Clare Hall, University of Cambridge