Zefira Valova (violin), Aapo Häkkinen (fortepiano)

Schubert: Sonata (Sonatina) for violin & piano in D major, D384 (Op. posth. 137 No. 1)
Schubert: Sonata (Sonatina) for violin & piano in A minor, D385 (Op. posth. 137 No. 2)
Schubert: Sonatina (Sonatina) in G minor, D408 (Op. posth. 137 No. 3)
Schubert: Grand Duo for Violin and Piano in A Major, D574

From March 1816 to August 1817, Franz Schubert composed four violin sonatas. All four were published after the composer's death: the first three, D384, 385 and 408, as Sonatinas in 1836 (Op. posth. 137), and the last one, D574, as Duo in 1851 (Op. posth. 162). The sonatas breathe an intimate atmosphere, requiring no virtuoso bravura from their performers, but always bearing the stamp of its composer’s genius, his unique gift for melody and harmony.

Bulgarian violinist Zefira Falova specialized in Baroque violin with Lucy van Dael. During 7 consecutive seasons, she was concertmaster of the European Union Baroque Orchestra, under direction of Lars Ulrik Mortensen, Ton Koopman, Roy Goodman and Petra Müllejans. From 2011 until 2015, she performed as soloist and concertmaster of Il Pomo d’Oro, Les Ambassadeurs, and as an orchestra member she collaborated with Orchestra of the Age of Enlightment, Chambre Philharmonique, B’Rock, Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien and Cordevento.

Finnish keyboard player Aapo Häkkinen studied in Helsinki. He was also fortunate to enjoy the generous guidance and encouragement of Gustav Leonhardt. He developed a successful career as harpsichordist and conductor, and is Artistic Director of the Helsinki Baroque Orchestra.

"Tunti ja vartti Schubertin parissa kuluu kevyesti ja silti elämyksellisesti, kun periodisoitinten pehmeästi vaihteleva valohämy paljastaa musiikista yhä uusia yksityiskohtia." - Kare Eskola, Yle Radio 1 Uudet levyt, 11.11.2021.