Lisa Batiashvili - Secret Love Letters (LP)

Dive into the enchanting world of late-Romantic and early 20th-century music with Lisa Batiashvili's captivating album, "Secret Love Letters." Released on August 19, 2022, via Deutsche Grammophon, this exquisite collection showcases Batiashvili's virtuosity and deep connection to the evocative compositions featured.

The album opens with César Franck's Violin Sonata in A Major, a piece known for its lyrical beauty and technical demands, followed by Karol Szymanowski's Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 35, which blends rich harmonies and expressive melodies. Batiashvili also delivers a stunning performance of Ernest Chausson's Poème, Op. 25, a work that highlights her ability to convey intense passion and longing. The album concludes with Claude Debussy's "Beau Soir," arranged for violin and piano by Jascha Heifetz, adding a touch of French impressionism to the program.

Accompanied by the Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and with Giorgi Gigashvili on piano, Batiashvili's performances are brought to life with stunning musicianship and a deep understanding of the repertoire. The album's ten tracks, spanning a total of 71 minutes, offer a rich and varied listening experience that highlights Batiashvili's artistry and her commitment to bringing these timeless works to new audiences.