Signs, Games & Messages

Bartók:
 Sonata for Solo Violin, BB 124, Sz. 117
 
Kurtág:
 Signs, Games and Messages, for strings

Renowned British violinist and pedagogue Simon Smith makes his Resonus debut with an extraordinary disc of intensely virtuosic works for unaccompanied violin by two Hungarian composers – the late Sonata for Solo Violin by Belá Bartók and Signs, Games & Messages by living composer György Kurtág, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

The idiomatic and skilful writing for solo violin by both of these composers shows the immense range possible on this instrument, taking the performer to the edge of what’s possible. Often lyrical and expressive, often dramatic and atmospheric with folk influences, Simon Smith tackles this repertoire with great dedication and panache.

"[Smith’s] thoughtful, sympathetic performances discern the unique qualities of each [piece]…it is a compelling reading with a firm point of view [and his] strong, clear sound is superbly captured in a space that accentuates the disc’s existential aura of one human alone with little but his own consciousness for company"
Gramophone Magazine - Awards Issue 2016