September 2023 (AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND) On September 4, 2023 violinist Bella Hristova and pianist Michael Houstoun released the three Brahms violin sonatas on the Rattle label. The concert celebration launch was held at Auckland Town Hall's Concert Chamber.

Bella writes: 

These sonatas are at the core of the violin and piano duo repertoire, and it feels as though the music transports us directly into Brahms’s soul. From the exquisitely flowing melodies of the G major sonata, to the warm-heartedness of the A major sonata, and finally to the vast and turbulent D minor sonata, the music is filled with deeply felt emotion and there is not a single note extra, or out of place. These works represent a never-ending journey for those that play them - they reveal more of themselves to us each time they’re played and stay with us long after they’re heard. 

‍Michael’s playing and his profound and intuitive musical understanding are a source of endless inspiration to me. I am overjoyed to have had the chance to record these great works with him and this experience is something I will treasure forever. It’s an absolute delight to share our album with you.

The album is available for purchase from the Rattle website, and also on all streaming platforms.

‍

‍

‍