The Polish Violin

Reconnecting with her roots, violinist Jennifer Pike makes a wonderful guide to some of the most distinctive voices in romantic Polish music. The cosmopolitan and deliciously exotic music of Karol Szymanowski provides the largest share here, and Pike and pianist Petr Limonov draw magic from the sensual Mythes as well as the charming Nocturne & Tarantella. Moszkowski, Karłowicz and Wieniawski each offer miniatures of great individuality and fabulous displays of classy writing for the violin—not surprisingly given the calibre of violinists providing inspiration. Beautifully recorded, this is an album of many varied treats.