Kyung-Wha Chung & Krystian Zimerman - Strauss & Respighi: Sonatas For Violin & Piano

Cut to lacquer by Maarten de Boer at Emil Berliner Studios

Imported double 180-gram Analogphonic LP pressed at Pallas in Germany

Violinist Kyung-Wha Chung and pianist Krystian Zimerman perform Sonatas for Violin & Piano by composers Richard Strauss and Ottorino Respighi.

Respighi wrote his Violin Sonata at the peak of his creative powers. Full-blooded and romantic, it explores both Italian lyricism and powerful dramatic gestures, and as such provides both instrumentalists with a virtuoso workout. The Violin Sonata of Richard Strauss represents a crossroads in his creative journey. On the one hand, the language evokes the rigor and definition of Strauss as we know him. On the other, the sonata is an abstract work, not far removed from the dramatic sound-pictures and high romanticism so characteristic of the works of Liszt and Wagner.

Kyung-Wha Chung's dazzling and probing artistry has made her one of classical music's most acclaimed performers for more than 30 years. Lauded for her passion, her musicality and the intense excitement that she brings to her performances, Ms. Chung's uniquely expressive interpretations of the violin literature have established her as an artist of the very highest stature.

During his more than 25-year collaboration with Deutsche Grammophon, pianist/organist Krystian Zimerman has made two dozen recordings, for which he has frequently received the most prestigious record awards. In addition to his recording awards, Mr. Zimerman recently received the "Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur," the highest civilian award given by the French government.

Musicians:
- Kyung-Wha Chung (violin)
- Krystian Zimerman (piano)