Nikolai Roslavets Violin Sonatas Nos. 1, 4 & 6 (solomia Soroka)

The name Niccolò Paganini almost instantly conjures up an image of the quintessential virtuoso. The composition most commonly associated with his name is the set of 24 Caprices, which are undeniable demonstrations of sheer technique and prowess on the violin. However, the violin concertos are not so entirely dedicated to dazzling audiences with almost unbelievable feats of extended techniques.

The name of Martha Argerich on any label always means fire, and so it is here. She and Gidon Kremer play with quite exceptional urgency and temperament, and the bright, clear recording brings up both instruments with a sheen. In fact the music springs at you with such immediacy that anyone previously of the opinion that Schumann was showing signs of tiredness in these latish works will be compelled to think again.

The second volume of the Beethoven 'Violin Sonata' cycle, from James Ehnes and Andrew Armstrong, follows the critically acclaimed release of 'Sonatas Nos. 6& 9, 'Kreutzer'. This album contains the three early 'Op. 12, Sonatas' (which Beethoven dedicated to his teacher Antonio Salieri) and ends with the early 'Variations on a Theme From Mozart's Marriage of Figaro'.

Hilary Hahn burst onto the classical scene in 1997 with her debut album ‘Hilary Hahn plays Bach’. Hilary has since enjoyed an incredibly successful international career and is considered one of the world’s finest violinists, winning 3 Grammy awards amongst other honours. Hilary is a strong advocate for classical music, leading projects like the specially commissioned ‘In 27 Pieces: The Hilary Hahn Encores’ collection of new compositions and her inspiring #100daysofpractice campaign on Instagram.