Renaud Capuçon and Igor Levit

An eagerly awaited encounter between the famous French violinist and the demanding pianist, both with consistently ambitious programs. They take on the challenge of Brahms' three Sonatas for violin and piano: a concentrate of poetry, brilliance, and heroism.

In terms of violin writing, Johannes Brahms owes much to the great virtuoso Joseph Joachim—creator of the Violin Concerto—who provided the composer, a trained pianist, with numerous technical insights. Although his three Sonatas for violin and piano form an admirable set, each possesses its own distinct personality. The first, known as the "Regensonate" ("Rain Sonata") from 1879, distills an inimitable sense of melancholy. The following two, composed in 1886 and 1888 respectively, were written in the idyllic setting of Lake Thun in Switzerland. While a tone of luminous tranquility seems to emanate from the second, the last one, particularly rich, unfolds a striking brilliance and expressive variety.

Program and cast

Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including 1 intermission

Renaud Capuçon, violin
Igor Levit, piano

Programme
Johannes Brahms
Violin Sonata No. 1, Op. 78
Violin Sonata No. 2, Op. 100

Intermission

Violin Sonata No. 3, Op. 108