Richard Strauss:
Sonata for Violin & Piano in E-flat major, Op. 18

Dmitri Shostakovich:
Sonata for Violin & Piano, Op. 134

Two soloists in conversation:

The electrifying duo debut recording of violinist Franziska Pietsch and pianist Josu De Solaun features two masterpieces: the violin sonatas by Richard Strauss and Dmitri Shostakovich.

Since 2017, Pietsch and De Solaun have forged a remarkable partnership, each balancing and complimenting the other’s musical temperaments and sensibilities. Franziska Pietsch, who caused a sensation among other things with her solo recital recording last year, led several prestigious orchestras in Germany and Luxembourg as concertmaster before she continued her career as a soloist and chamber musician. The Spanish pianist Josu De Solaun, winner of the renowned competitions Enescu and Iturbi, has performed with orchestras and in recitals throughout the world. Next to his solo career he is a passionate chamber musician.

Together, these two artists breathe new life into two powerful compositions, presenting a complex, passionate, and emotional portrait of human existence.

The present recording is the start of several upcoming duo recording projects. In addition, Josu De Solaun will present his first solo recording on audite with works by Janáček, Novák, and Suk. More solo recordings are being planned.

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Recording: Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin-Dahlem, October 1 - 3, 2018. Franziska Pietsch plays a violin by Carlo Antonio Testore (Milan) of 1751. Grand piano: Shigeru Kawai SK-EX