Cosima Soulez Larivière & Philipp Scheucher - ODYSSEY (2025) [Hi-Res]

Under the title ODYSSEY, the French-Dutch violinist Cosima Soulez Larivière and the Austrian pianist Philipp Scheucher lead us through a legendary world, as it were, beginning with Karol Szymanowski’s “Myths” op. 30. The three movements “Arethusa”, “Narcissus”, “Dryads and Pan”, which are strongly influenced by Impressionism, refer to motifs from Greek mythology and are considered a milestone in the duo repertoire for violin and piano due to their various innovative playing techniques.

The following two-movement Sonata in E-flat major op. 11 No. 1 by Paul Hindemith is also influenced by Impressionism, although Hindemith’s very specific, simple and “classical” musical language clearly shines through at all times. The Sonata for Violin and Piano by the American composer John Corigliano from 1962/63 captivates with its diverse moods, which are underlined by impressively virtuoso as well as lyrical or complex rhythmic elements.

The final piece is the breathtaking “Aria” by his compatriot Kevin Puts, described as a “master of polystyle”, who has enjoyed great success in recent years with his latest opera “The Hours”.