Opposites in worldliness, Ferruccio Busoni (1866-1924) and Hans Pfitzner (1869-1949) had in common their ages and the German tradition of music making and composing. Busoni, a tonality adherent, wrote with respect on atonality; Pfitzner lashed out in a fit of disrespect for both. Their violin sonatas have in common a virtuosic, difficult piano part, expected from the virtuoso Busoni, not so much from Pfitzner, merely a competent pianist himself. Both works are in three movements; Pfitzner’s however, is the more conservative work, written 20 years later. Played by Dauenhauer-Kuen.
