Just past 26 at the time of this recording, violinist Daniel Hope shows maturity beyond his years. His performance of these complex works is a...

Just past 26 at the time of this recording, violinist Daniel Hope shows maturity beyond his years. His performance of these complex works is a testament to a great talent. Shostakovich's Sonata for Violin and Piano requires performers to push the envelope of their abilities. Technically difficult, the sonata is highly dramatic with an increased sense of urgency. Unusual voicing from the violin heightens this perception as well. Pianist Simon Mulligan does much to hold the piece together, reinforcing the mood and adding a wash of color behind the powerful violin.
Although the album is dominated by Hope's interpretation of the challenging Shostakovich sonata, it actually works as a tribute to the late Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998), a composer close to the heart of the young performer. Schnittke's three biggest musical influences, Shostakovich, Penderecki and Pärt, are all represented here along with Schnittke's brilliant Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano and his touching arrangement of 'Silent Night.'