César Franck’s Violin Sonata is the diamond solitaire of the violin literature. Incomparable lyrical wealth forms a bold contrast when it meets the wildest intensity....

César Franck’s Violin Sonata is the diamond solitaire of the violin literature. Incomparable lyrical wealth forms a bold contrast when it meets the wildest intensity. Here formulaic violin composition and empty virtuosity are nowhere to be found; the challenging violin part and the incredibly high velocity of the piano part mean that the musicians have to give their all. This work is also popular with cellists, and the outstanding qualities of both stringed instruments form a perfect union in David Riniker’s brand-new version for piano trio.

Shortly prior to his death Franck kept a resolution that he had made many years before. His Trois Chorales creates the impression of a legacy in which he repeatedly refers to his great model Bach.

The phenomenal bass register of MDG’s “Manfred Bürki” Steinway concert grand piano of 1901 offers a profound foundation, and Kolly’s skillful hands even produce what is actually impossible – 32’ sounds! This high-resolution SACD recording guaranteeing genuine three-dimensional listening pleasure in the home with MDG’S 2+2+2 sound is the perfect complement to this suggestion.