Duo find Brahms' tender side

Renaud Capuçon and Nicholas Angelich give a reflective and intimate performance of Brahms' violin sonatas with added French flair

Composer: Brahms
Repertoire: Violin Sonatas Nos 1-3, et al
Artists: Renaud Capuçon (violin), Nicholas Angelich (piano)
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Instrumental 
Label: Virgin Classics 545 7312

This is a more than usually intimate account of the Brahms violin sonatas, with Capuçon and Angelich homing in on the composer’s most reflective side and bringing genuine tenderness to the fore. Capuçon’s playing is exquisitely refined with soft yet focused tone, whispering bow and sparing vibrato, but he never lacks warmth; his quintessentially French style offers a breath of fresh air in these much-loved works. Angelich partners with strength and sympathy.