Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari's reputation rests largely on his operas, but the instrumental music he composed at the beginning and end of his career deserves a wider currency. The influence of Brahms can be detected in the First and Second Violin Sonatas, though Wolf-Ferrari's distinctive long-breathed melodies and chromatic flow are clearly present; the dramatic and expressive Second also includes references to Wagner's Tristan. With it's neo-Bachian figuration, passages of intense melancholy and uplifting operatic fantasy, the final Third Sonata is an enigmatic work, and unlike any other in the repertoire.

Tracklist:

Violin Sonata No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 1: I. Sostenuto - Allegro Appassionato Quasi Presto
Violin Sonata No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 1: II. Lento Senza Tempo - A Tempo Di Adagio
Violin Sonata No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 1: III. Sostenuto - Allegro Ma Non Troppo E Con Spirito
Violin Sonata No. 2 In A Minor, Op. 10: I. Appassionato
Violin Sonata No. 2 In A Minor, Op. 10: II. Recitativo. Adagio - Sostenuto Con Amore, Semplicemente
Violin Sonata No. 3 In E Major, Op. 27: I. Allegro Moderato
Violin Sonata No. 3 In E Major, Op. 27: II. Andantino Con Innocenza
Violin Sonata No. 3 In E Major, Op. 27: III. Agitato Con Passione
Violin Sonata No. 3 In E Major, Op. 27: IV. Allegro Molto Con Fuoco Più Allegro Del Primo Tempo

UPC: 747313429776
Label: Naxos
Release Date: 4.23.21
Format: CD

Wolf-Ferrari / Baldini / Donne - Dreams & Drama (CD)