Ensemble 360

Szymanowski Mythes Op.30 for violin and piano
Beethoven Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Op.96

Szymanowski’s Mythes were written at a time at which he was exploring modern French and Russian music, and the influences of Debussy and Ravel can be heard here. He became fascinated with ancient Greece, an interest which led to the creation of this piece, whose three movements each explore a different myth. The first depicts a water nymph escaping from the god of the river, the second illustrates Narcissus’s love of his own reflection which ultimately leads to his death, and the third portrays Pan and the Dryads.

Beethoven’s final violin sonata could be considered the epitome of this form. It is grand and noble yet deeply expressive, full of gentle lyricism.