PAUL NATORP (1854-1924): Violin Sonata in F Sharp Minor, Cello Sonata in D (Florian Meierott [violin], Alexander Hülshoff [cello], Stefan Palm [piano]), Piano Trio in E Minor, 2 Phantasiestücke for Piano, 3 Preludes and Fugues for Piano (Lyudmila Frayonova [violin], Nikolai Shugayev [cello], Yury Favorin [piano]).

Catalogue Number: 04R046
Label: Querstand
Reference: VKJK 1519
Format: CD
Price: $18.98
Description: Originally, the co-founder of the Marburg school of neo-Kantianism philosophy wanted to become a composer and sent several of his pieces (including the Phantasiestücke here) to Brahms in 1875 and was crestfallen at the famous composer’s discouraging reply. Still, Natorp, as a hobby, found time to compose over 100 songs and eight substantial pieces of chamber music. Much of what’s here would not be thought modern even to a Beethoven contemporary and Natorp even quotes Brahms in the 1917 cello sonata. At bargain price, though, it’s of great curiosity value and will appeal to dyed-in-the-wool Romantic conservatives. 2 CDs.