Lin Cho-Liang, Paul Grossley - Poulenc, Ravel, Debussy: Works for Violin & Piano (1996) CD-Rip

The Poulenc Violin Sonata is still a relative rarity on record. I'm baffled by this, as it is one of Poulenc's most unique and musically rewarding works. This performance by Lin and Crossley is excellent; indeed they nearly match the superlative recording made by Kolja Blacher and Eric Le Sage for RCA. The brighter, more lively RCA recording adds a little extra sparkle and energy to the latter. However, in both instances, each violinist has the benefit of being joined by pianists who have made a specialty of Poulenc. (Le Sage has an extensive collection on SONY [RCA] France, and Crossley's complete set of Poulenc solo piano music has just been reissued on a Sony budget "Masters" box.)

The same enlightened and enriching qualities apply here to Ravel's posthumous (early) sonata. These performers find a new-found musical depth and purpose in this piece, escalating it to a profound musical importance and enjoyment not previously realized. Ravel's more famous Sonata, along with Debussy's, are also both gloriously performed here. I'm not terribly fond of Ravel's Tzigane in its version for piano accompaniment, as it loses much of its gypsy characteristic and fragrant color without the orchestra. But it is certainly well played.

What makes this program most rewarding is Sony's glorious recording - rich, warm and full-bodied, within a lovely, spacious acoustic. This is certainly one of Sony's very best efforts. Not for a moment does the violin sound strident; nor does the piano overpower. What the recording does do, so very well, is allow the left-hand range of the piano to fill the hall with fully resonant sound, and Lin's rich, gorgeously textured tone to blossom into the acoustic. Anyone taking a chance on this disc will no doubt be thrilled with the sensational music-making and sound, as was I.