Unfamiliar names to many, Willem Pijper and Rudolf Escher are the two major figures in 20th-century Dutch music. Pijper was a symphonist, composer of operas, and a noted writer on music, and his enthusiasm for motor cars saw him publishing ‘The Artistic Side of Motoring’. One of Pijper’s pupils was Escher, who assimilated the influences of Debussy, Schoenberg and Ravel. He composed two symphonies and became a noted expert on modern music, embracing Boulez. Hardly better known outside of Holland is Ton de Leeuw, who worked under Messiaen and Hartmann. His early music shows influences of Bartók, Hindemith and Pijper. The Violin Sonata dates from 1951. His later works reflect his interest in music from India and the Far East, and electronic sounds. This is an important release of little-known music by the most influential Dutch composers of the last century.
"...Altogether an outstanding release sure to interest lovers of 20th Century violin music."
Lehman - American Record Guide - January-February 2012
"Holland’s lack of a ’great composer’ when it has achieved such distinction in other fields - the Concertgebouw orchestra is arguably the world’s best - remains tantilising. This fine disc of 20th - century Dutch violin music...by Pijper, Rudolph Escher, Alexander Voormolen and Ton de Leeuw set one thinking. Memorable are such moments as when the concluding scherzando of Pijper’s Sonata No.1 transforms into a haunting adagio..." Paul Driver - The Sunday Times - 12 June 2011
"Dutch 20th - century violin sonatas might be a niche area, but when an artist of Philippe Graffin’s calibre espouses them you tend to sit up and take notice. Willem Pijper offers a unique slant on French Impressionism in two sonatas for violin and piano while Rudolf Escher looks back to Ravel and voices personal anguish triggered by the Second World War. Shorter pieces by Alexander Voormolen and Ton de Leeuw also repay a listen." **** Geoffrey Norris - The Daily Telegraph - 23 July 2011
"...polished performances make for rewarding listening..." Phillip Sommerich - Classical Music Magazine - July 2011
"...Performances and recording are excellent throughout, which makes this generously filled and ear-opening recital most welcome" Hubert Culot - www.musicwebinternational.com - January 2012
