Takemitsu, Hindemith, Janáček, Silvestrov: Five Pieces

Sisters Natascia Gazzana (violin) and Raffaella Gazzana (piano) in an impressive debut of meticulously chosen and performed pieces by Tōru Takemitsu, Paul Hindemith, Leoš Janáček, and Valentin Silvestrov. Far from the conventional recital, it underscores the duo’s genuine talents and ear for music that should be heard. Takemitsu’s Distance de fée (1951) is emblematic in this regard, blending French and Japanese aesthetics without need for distinction, while the Gazzanas’ rendition of the Janáček Sonata of 1914 is particularly arresting, nestled snugly against Silvestrov’s eponymous Five Pieces in the spirit of consummation.