This instalment in the Naxos survey of Vieuxtemps’ lesser-known chamber and instrumental works includes more unearthed gems for violin and piano, performed by Vilmos Csikos and Olivier Lechardeur. Among the discoveries is the world premiere recording of the Fantasy for Voice, Violin and Orchestra featuring the young soprano Manon Lamaison in a wordless vocalise.

REVIEW:

In the Fantasia for voice, violin, and orchestra, the voice has the task of wordlessly evoking memories of the composer. The lines of the violin and the voice entwine. This piece can be heard for the first time in a piano reduction instead of the orchestra. Ma marche funèbre and Souvenir d’amitié were also recorded for the first time.

Three young artists have taken on these discoveries and present their results. The soprano Manon Lamaison only appears in the fantasy at the end. Singing solidly, she masters her wordless contribution. 

Violinist Vilmos Csikos and pianist Olivier Lechardeur are involved throughout. Csikos positively presents the music in a musical rather than virtuoso manner, whereby the radiant soloistic aura is not difficult for him. However, work titles such as Elegy and Romance also suggest such an approach.

Lechardeur finds his place in the duo as a secure and reliable accompanist. Overall, the impression remains that these rarities of the repertoire are presented here in a passable manner.

-- Pizzicato