Ludwig van Beethoven - Violin Sonatas Nos. 2 & 10 (Viktoria Mullova; Alasdair Beatson)

Information

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

• Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 12
• Violin Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 96

Viktoria Mullova, violin

Alasdair Beatson, piano

Date: 2025

Label: Signum Records

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On their third duo album for Signum Classics, violinist Viktoria Mullova and pianist Alasdair Beatson present Beethoven’s Sonatas No. 2 in A major, Op. 12, and No. 10 in G major, Op. 96. Distinctively, they perform on period-style instruments: a copy of an 1805 Walter fortepiano for Op. 12 and an 1819 Graf for Op. 96, both crafted by Paul McNulty, alongside a gut-strung violin. This historically informed approach highlights the rich textures and tonal contrasts Beethoven envisioned, offering fresh insight and vivid color to two of his most lyrical and intimate sonatas.

Viktoria Mullova (b. 1959) is an internationally acclaimed violinist whose artistry combines virtuosity, versatility, and curiosity across genres. Trained in Moscow, she gained early fame by winning the 1980 Sibelius Competition and 1982 Tchaikovsky Competition, before her dramatic defection to the West in 1983. Since then, she has performed with leading orchestras and conductors worldwide. Mullova is especially admired for her Bach interpretations, often performed on gut strings with period ensembles, alongside acclaimed recordings. Her career also embraces crossover projects exploring jazz, world, and Brazilian music, as well as new commissions. Recent highlights include her Beethoven sonata series with Alasdair Beatson and collaborations with her son, bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado.

Alasdair Beatson is a Scottish pianist celebrated for his versatility on both modern and historical instruments, active as soloist, chamber musician, and teacher. In 2025 he performs at Wigmore Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, and numerous international festivals. Renowned for imaginative programming, he combines a deep affinity with classical, Schumann, and Fauré with adventurous explorations of rarer repertoire, from Catoire to Adès. He has appeared with leading orchestras including Britten Sinfonia and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and records prolifically, notably with Viktoria Mullova. A former student of John Blakely and Menahem Pressler, he teaches at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and directs Switzerland’s Musikdorf Ernen festival.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz