• MAY 2024 - Review - Classica - Jean-Michel Molkhou
5 Stars *****
The already rich discography of Brahms's three sonatas for violin and piano continues to expand. Rachel Kolly and Christian Chamorel, partners for thirty years, offer here a vision of rare poetry, imbued with a supple, elegant lyricism. The Swiss duo demonstrate a supreme rapport in which every idea is fully shared.
The moods of the Sonata in G major are bathed in generous tenderness, without ever forcing the tone. A silky sound (Rachel Kolly plays a 1723 Stradivarius), a keyboard that is as fluid as it is profound, diction that is airy and natural, subtle nuances, a carefully measured vibrato and natural tempos bring out the fullness of their intentions without any narcissistic intent. This maturity and humility are also to be found in Sonata No. 2, where the performers avoid any excessive sentimentality, their melancholy-tinged modesty never preventing them from delivering the flavour of the modulations and rhythmic contrasts. Their lyricism takes new flight in the Sonata in D minor, more capricious and brilliant than the first two. Although the contrasts are more vigorous, the playing retains a marvellous chamber music intimacy. This tender and passionate tone, at once dreamy, reflective and full of emotion (Adagio, Scherzo), exudes happiness right up to the formidable final burst where the two performers let their passion explode. And of course we conclude this very fine disc with the tumultuous Scherzo from the famous F.A.E. Sonata.
