There are also new recordings of Ravel's Piece en forme de Habanera and Massenet's Meditation (from Thais), plus a compilation of previous gems that includes Beethoven's Sonata No.7, Brahms' Sonata No.2, Mozart's Sonata K.481 and Faure's Sonata No.1. These are all treats for the ear, well recorded.
Mutter plays the violin with impeccable technique and deep, lush tones for passionate performances, sometimes with artistic licence. Her Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven are respectably adorned. Orkis on the keyboard breathes and phrases in close harmony. Penderecki's new work is ''insanely'' difficult and required Mutter's unaccompanied, dazzling virtuosity.
The Polish octogenarian composer, himself a violinist, throws out fierce challenges to both performer and listener in the nine variations over 12 minutes; complex but poetic (in parts they are close to unplayable.)
The soloist vested them in drama and mystery. Previn's Sonata is much lighter but entertaining, although it does not hint at the composer's former jazz interests.
It contains three movements: a ''Joyous'' first, ''Desolate'' second and a ''Brilliant'' third like a bouncy cadenza.
Among ''encore'' items in the two discs are Brahms' Hungarian Dances Nos. 1, 2 and 5, always jolly, heavy on portamento and full of rubato, plus several gems by Kreisler (old fiddler favourites Schon Rosmarin, Caprice Viennois and Leibesleid) as well as Debussy's Beau Soir.
- The Silver Album. Anne-Sophie Mutter (violin), Lambert Orkis (piano). Deutsche Grammophon 2CDs
Highlight: German violinist's majestic artistry.
