RAVEL: Violin Sonata No. 2 in G major, Sonata for Violin and Cello in A minor, Piano Trio in A minor

Ravel was very happy with his second Violin Sonata, written between 1923 and 1927, whose second movement adopts the Afro-American blues. This wonderful sonata is characterised throughout by the contrast between the consistently fairly dry piano part and the smooth, melodic violin.

The Sonata for Violin and Cello, written between 1920 and 1922, is dedicated to Debussy, who had died in 1918, and the work could be thought of as an elegy for the composer. There are references to Debussy’s final chamber works.

A complex and emotional work, the magnificent Piano Trio of 1914 contains four movements all full of exoticism and colour.

Promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhiIaJZoL80