In the First Violin Sonata, Godowsky achieves an extraordinary fusion of virtuosity and restraint. Single lines are embellished with all of his fullness and contrapuntal skill yet the result is never less than serious. Violinists will gasp in admiration or outrage while pianists will find themselves confronted by a mighty challenge, requiring rare agility and an acute ear for keeping so many multi-textures, layers and lines clear.

from notes by Bryce Morrison © 2009