In the early 20th century, composers reshaped chamber music by blending tradition and innovation.
Prokofiev's Sonata for two violins (1932), written for a Paris festival, astonished with its clarity and restraint. Nadia Boulanger's Two Pieces (1911-14) reveal delicate lyricism, balancing Romantic warmth with French colour. Stravinsky's Suite Italienne (1932), drawn from Pulcinella, looks back to 18th-century themes with modern flair. And in contrast, Moszkowski's Suite for two violins and piano (1903) offers lush Romantic melodies and virtuosity, a final flourish before modernism's arrival.
Prokofiev Sonata for two violins in C major, Op 56
Boulanger Two pieces for violin and piano
Stravinsky Suite Italienne for violin and piano
Moszkowski Suite for two violins and piano, Op 71
Elinor Lea violin
Rohana O'Malley violin
Jennifer Marten-Smith piano