Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 7 in c minor, Op. 30 No. 2

1. Allegro con brio
2. Adagio cantabile
3. Scherzo: Allegro
4. Finale: Allegro – Presto

Variations on a Folk Song in a minor, WoO 78

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
Scherzo in c minor (from the FAE Sonata)

Serhij Bortkiewicz – Sonata for Violin and Piano in g minor, Op. 26

1. I. Sostenuto – Allegro drammatico
2. II. Andante
3. III. Allegro vivace e con brio

This concert program unites four masterpieces for violin and piano, each illuminating a unique facet of chamber music artistry. Beethoven’s passionate sonata, Brahms’ powerful scherzo, and the late-romantic sound world of Serhij Bortkiewicz create a captivating musical journey.

 

Beethoven’s Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 7 in c minor is among his most dramatic works in this genre. Its turbulent, energetic atmosphere reflects Beethoven’s revolutionary spirit. The second movement, in particular, conveys a profound, almost resigned lyricism, while the finale concludes with fiery virtuosity.

 

In the Variations on a Folk Song in a minor, Ludwig van Beethoven demonstrates his mastery in handling a simple melody, which unfolds through clever harmonic shifts and brilliant embellishments into an elaborate variation cycle.

 

The Scherzo in c minor by Johannes Brahms, originally composed as part of the renowned “FAE Sonata” for the violinist Joseph Joachim, impresses with its rhythmic power and passionate expressiveness. The dense piano chords and fiery violin lines make it one of Brahms’ most impressive individual works.

 

Concluding the program is Serhij Bortkiewicz’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, Op. 26 – a work of radiant late-romanticism and deeply felt emotion. Here, a soundscape of longing and inner movement opens up: expansive melodic lines, shimmering harmonies, and an intense dialogue between violin and piano characterize the musical language. Bortkiewicz combines lyrical intimacy with dramatic gestures, bringing the program to a poignant, resonant climax.