Leila Josefowicz’s stimulating and refreshingly varied recital program opens with Messiaen’s Theme and Variations, a strangely beautiful work that, although it provides some timbral and intonational challenges for the violinist, is much more of a showcase for the pianist, affording John Novacek opportunities to display his prodigious musicianship. Ravel’s G major sonata places the two performers on a more even playing field, and here Josefowicz’s sumptuous tone and characterful phrasing stand out–listen to her sly, feline playing in Ravel’s bluesy second movement.
Josefowicz has the stage to herself in the next two works–both premiere recordings. Esa-Pekka Salonen’s rhapsodic Lachen Verlernt (Laughing, Unlearnt) is a violinistic tour de force, and Josefowicz masterfully meets its challenges while emphasizing the music’s uneasy lyricism. She’s just as impressive in Mark Grey’s lively, populist San Andreas Suite. Originally composed for guitar, the suite explores the many musical cultures of the San Francisco Bay area.
Turning to more standard repertoire, Josefowicz and Novacek offer an especially poetic rendition (very different from Heifetz’s more virile approach) of Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 10, with sensitive, song-like phrasing from both players in the first movement and adagio, and vibrant rhythmic energy in the scherzo and finale. Lastly, the duo presents a nicely robust version of Brahms’ Scherzo in C minor, though the effect is more like an encore than a program closer. The recording balances the violin and piano realistically in a warm, spacious acoustic. A highly enjoyable disc, and not just for violin aficionados. [6/2/2005]
