Review Elgar CD, July 2006

ELGAR: Violin Sonata in E minor, Op. 82. Romance, Op. 1. Bizarrerie, Op. 13, No. 2. Idyll, Op. 4, No. 1. Pastourelle, Op. 4, No. 2. Virelai, Op. 4, No. 3. La Capricieuse , Op. 17. Mazurka, Op. 10, No. 1. Chanson de nuit, Op. 15, No. 1. Chanson de matin, Op. 15, No. 2. Salut d’amour, Op. 12. Offertoire. Simone Lamsma (violin), Yurie Miura (piano). Naxos 8.557984. (58' 16").

"Forming part of Naxos 's 'Laureate Series', the multiple competition winner - including the Benjamin Britten and Dutch National prizes - Simone Lamsma offers her credentials in an Elgar programme. Launching into the Violin Sonata with tenacity that drives the music forward and bypasses the wistful introspection British ears find in every nook and cranny of his music. Lamsma takes an equally positive view of the slow movement, escaping from those oft elongated and hushed phrases. The finale is equally purposeful, often happy to take the subordinate role to Yurie Miura's powerful piano, the work's concluding section suitably imposing. The remainder of the disc is given to the composer's miniatures and musical bon-bons. Using a wide vibrato that brings warmth at the appropriate moments, Lamsma reminds us that the young Elgar was much impressed by Germanic music. Where we expect a silvery tone, Lamsma is round and burnished, adding a serious note to some of the composer's more frivolous moments. There is no lack of sparkling virtuosity in the few moments Elgar offers, while removing many of those performing traditions that have become part of the music." 

David's Review Corner - July 2006

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