ELGAR Violin Sonata in E minor op.82, Chanson de nuit,
Chanson de matin, Salut d'amour and other miniatures

Simone Lamsma (violin) Yurie Miura (piano)
Naxos 8.557984


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"The recording of this CD was part of the package of prizes that Simone Lamsma received for winning the 2004 Benjamin Britten International Violin Competition. Still in her early 20s, she already has as clutch of prestigious prizes under her belt, and this recording shows why. She has a seriously fine technique and impeccable intonation, and puts these to use with mature musical intelligence. This is deliciously romantic playing, with its touches of portamento, rich, expressive vibrato and melodic subtlety.
Quite why a Dutch musician, albeit one who came to study in the UK in 1997, should opt for an all-Elgar programme is not clear, but the composer is served well: many of the miniatures here don't get outings very often, and they receive performances full of charm and character. Lamsma brings to the main work, the late Violin Sonata, a sure sense of its structure, exposing its many beauties without lapsing into indulgence. There is vigour in the outer movements, and a disquieting pathos in the central Romance. Lamsma's warm tone is well served by a resonant acoustic, although the piano sounds a little plonky in the background."

The Strad, October 2006
TIM HOMFRAY


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