Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | English | Violin Sonata no. 1 in A minor, Op.105

How do violinists devise their recital programmes? The conventional format has been to choose a violin sonata from each musical era, or to focus on a particular composer or national style.

Three musicians at the top of their game – Martha Argerich, Janine Jansen and Misha Maisky – collaborated in a celebration of the joy of music-making that teased, astonished and ultimately stirred the emotions.

On Monday, Hampstead Arts Festival hosted the long-overdue debut recital of Paris-based Japanese violinist Sayaka Shoji. 

With a programme spanning from Bach through Schumann, Cage, all the way to Lera Auerbach and David Lang, Hilary Hahn shows she is on top form alongside pianist Cory Smythe.

The absence of empty showmanship, of any unnecessary gesture in music making, allowed the listeners to fully experience the essence of Young Gi Kim in a recital of violin sonatas.

Two young musicians studying and performing in Germany presented an interesting programme of piano and violin music at the Schumannhaus in Bonn on Sunday afternoon choosing three pieces which combined piano and violin in interesting variations. All three gave the lead to the piano – with violin as accompaniment.

In terms of programming this recital at St John’s Smith Square offered something out of the ordinary. There are not that many concerts these days where the audience is faced with an item of core repertoire, followed by some semi-neglected repertoire by a mainstream composer, a work by a totally neglected composer, and then a final flurry of instrumental fireworks. Schumann’s Violin Sonata no.