Gramophone Magazine
June 2024
Recording of the Month

Antje Weithaas (violin), Denes Varjon (piano)

Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 'Spring'
Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 6 in A major, Op. 30 No. 1
Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 1 in D major, Op. 12 No. 1
Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 10 in G major, Op. 96

The Beethoven wisperer. The missing final Four…with all the contrasts!!! all complete now!!!

“Just once in my lifetime, I wanted to record Beethoven’s ten violin sonatas as a cycle!” For violinist Antje Weithaas, this was a long-held wish. Well-known as an internationally renowned soloist and chamber musician, and as a sought-after violin professor, her repertoire ranges from the Baroque era to the 21st century. Despite all these achievements, Beethoven’s sonatas for piano and violin are still of special significance to her.

”This music exudes profound humanity, a trait I find in each of the violin sonatas. And every piece by Beethoven I know contains a moment of deeply moving emotion.”

Antje Weithaas embarked on her journey through several creative periods of Beethoven’s output in the company of one of the most versatile, sensitive pianists of our time: the Hungarian Dénes Várjon.

Várjon is often on tour in the music venues of the world as soloist and as chamber musician; he is also devoted to teaching. Várjon has received his musical imprint from such outstanding Hungarian musicians as composer György Kurtág, violinist and conductor Sándor Vegh, and the pianists Ferenc Rados and András Schiff. (Excerpt from the booklet notes by Elisabeth Richter)

"So far as these sonatas are concerned, Weithaas and Várjon allow you to learn, listen and love as never before." - Gramophone Magazine, June 2024