‘1942’
The first release on Delphian Records for Benjamin and Daniel featuring three powerful works which were all begun in 1942.
Aaron Copland Sonata for Violin and Piano
Francis Poulenc Sonata for Violin and Piano
Sergei Prokofiev Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Major
About ‘1942’
Since winning First Prize at the 2016 Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York, New Zealand-born violinist Benjamin Baker has established a presence across the globe, with acclaimed solo, chamber and concerto appearances on five continents. His Delphian recording debut sees him joined by regular duo partner Daniel Lebhardt in a programme of three powerful works which were all begun in 1942.
Each marked in its own way by a world at war, these sonatas show three of the twentieth century’s most individual composers engaging themes of private loss, political uncertainty and music’s enduring ability both to reflect and to transcend circumstances.
Reviews
“We expect oracles from composers in ominous times. Here are three composers who preferred to bury their heads in scores. It is the interpreters, Benjamin Baker and Daniel Lebhardt, who bring out the terrors and anxieties that rumble beneath these works. Both are brilliant artists of independent mind and prodigious technique, one a New Zealander, the other Hungarian. Their Edinburgh recital was recorded last summer in the thick of the Covid pandemic. Different time, different crisis. This is a wonderfully timely album.”
“A performance by Benjamin Baker and Daniel Lebhardt that captures so effectively the passion and pain of Poulenc’s inspiration ... an excellent recording.”
“Both artists present an extraordinary technique and fascinating musical intelligence. As a consequence, the Copland, Poulenc and Prokofiev sonatas gain another dimension, fitting like a glove for another crisis in which humanity finds itself.”
“Baker’s playing is agile and unforced, giving rein to the music’s lean lyricism ... Poulenc’s sonata, written at the behest of the violinist Ginette Neveu, who gave the premiere, is expansive and dramatic in comparison. The central Intermezzo is characterised by extended double-stopping, perfectly placed by Baker. In the presto finale, Lebhardt gracefully lets rip, while the violinist skitters fearlessly in rapid trills, runs and pizzicato ... This young duo’s first recording on Delphian deserves every success.
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“The world was in turmoil in 1942, with much of Europe under Nazi occupation. All three works on this remarkable album were begun that year, and two of them are products of this dark time ... New Zealand-born violinist Benjamin Baker and Hungarian pianist Daniel Lebhardt are superb partners with a rare passion and energy.”
