CHARLES VILLIERS STANFORD (1852-1924): Violin Sonatas No. 1 in D, Op. 11 and No. 2 in A, Op. 70, Caoine (A Lament), Op. 54/1, 5 Characteristic Pieces, Op. 93.

Description: Stanford's first sonata (1877) is deeply indebted to Beethoven in structural control and to Schumann in its harmonic resource, poetic gesture and lyrical intensity; the second (c.1898) is in four-movement form and its tender euphony is reminiscent of the rich lyricism of Brahms' first two violin sonatas. The 1905 Characteristic Pieces are colorful, sophisticated pieces which were probably intended for the same market as his Irish Fantasies, of which Caoine is one. Paul Barritt (violin), Catherine Edwards (piano). Original 1999 Hyperion release (08B046).