Sonata for Violin & Piano in E Flat Major 18

The electrifying duo debut recording of violinist Franziska Pietsch and pianist Josu de Solaun features two masterpieces: the sonatas by Richard Strauss and Dmitri Shostakovich. Since 2017, Pietsch and de Solaun have forged a remarkable partnership, each balancing and complimenting the other's musical temperaments and sensibilities. A former child violin prodigy from East Germany, Franziska Pietsch led several prestigious orchestras in Germany and Luxembourg as concertmaster before embarking on a career as soloist and chamber musician. Josu de Solaun, the only Spanish pianist to win the Enescu and Iturbi competitions, has performed with orchestras and in recitals throughout the world. Together, these two artists breathe new life into two powerful compositions, presenting a complex, passionate, and emotional portrait of human existence. The present recording is the start of several upcoming duo recording projects. In addition, Josu de Solaun will present his first solo recording on audite with works by Janácek, Novák, and Suk. More solo recordings are being planned.