Jean Samuel Bez &
Gina Kruger

Maurice Ravel (1875 - 1937)

Violin Sonata No. 1 “Posthume” (Ravel)

The Violin and Piano Sonata No. 1 by Maurice Ravel, known also as Sonate posthume, is the composer’s earliest instance of a sonata for this combination of instruments. Though it was composed 30 years before the publication of his second violin sonata, it was not published until 38 years after his death.

Mel Bonis (1858-1937)

Violin Sonata in F sharp minor, Op. 112 (Bonis)

i Moderato, ii Presto, iii Lento, iv Finale con moto

The 1914 Violin Sonata by Mel Bonis (1858–1937) is one of the hidden gems of the violin and piano repertoire. It’s an intoxicating work, full of sumptuous waves of emotion and romance. Audiences seem to respond to it in a visceral way, and it’s written beautifully for the violin: there are some tricky technical odds and ends, but it allows you to soar, fly and whisper with the instrument.

Maurice Ravel (1875 - 1937)

Violin Sonata No. 2 (Ravel)

i Allegretto; ii Blues. Moderato, iii Perpetuum mobile. Allegro

Maurice Ravel’s Violin and Piano Sonata No. 2 for violin and piano was composed from 1923 to 1927; it was inspired by forms of American music such as jazz and blues.

Performers

Jean Samuel Bez - Violin

The violinist Jean-Samuel Bez is a member of the Trio Spilliaert (Be) with whom he has produced the complete trios of the composer Désiré Pâque (2021, Cyprès). He has also formed a duet with the Canadian pianist Jean-Luc Therrien. Their first CD ”Fantaisies” (Klarthe) came out in 2022.

Gina Kruger - Piano

Gina completed a post-graduate diploma at the Royal Academy of Music in 2002. She is currently tutoring at Morley College London, and is organist at St Mary’s Church, Tottenham.