Bella Hristova & Michael Houstoun - Réveiller

2024

Réveiller is an exploration of some of the most exquisite French works for violin and piano, featuring sonatas by Ravel, Poulenc, and Fauré. Each piece evokes a unique character, blurring the lines between dreams and reality.

Maurice Ravel's Sonate posthume is an early yet profound work brimming with lyrical beauty and a sense of introspection. Francis Poulenc's Violin Sonata is characterised by bold contrasts, vibrant energy, and moments of whimsical charm juxtaposed against passages of explosive power and then deep melancholy. Gabriel Fauré's A Major Violin Sonata, a cornerstone of the violin-piano repertoire, is known for its singing melodies and lush harmonies. The G Major Sonata exemplifies Ravel's mastery of form and colour, showcasing his genius in fusing traditional structures with vibrant rhythms and jazz harmonies.