Comp.duos: Rigborg, Bergstrom(Vn)rondin(Vc)lundin(P)

For some unfathomable reason, Franz Berwald's music was neglected in his homeland during his lifetime. Oddly, Berwald's greatest acclaim was achieved in Austria, where he received an honorary membership in the Salzburg Mozarteum. It's taken a while, but the music of the Swedish composer is finally having its day on recordings. Berwald's symphonies (for which he is best known) have received some outstanding recordings, particularly the 'Sinfonie Singuli re' of 1845, and now it's time for his chamber music.
In addition to being a fine composer, Berwald was a violinist, a fact that is amply displayed in the 'Duo for Violin and Piano' and 'Duo Concertante for Two Violins.' Berwald's string writing is deliciously lyrical and presents a number of technical challenges that keep the soloists on their toes. Violinists Tobias Ringborg and David Bergstr m make a very strong case for this music. Equally impressive are cellist Mats Rondin and pianist Bengt-Ake Lundin in the delightful 'Duo in B-flat major.' This Naxos recording is an excellent and inexpensive way to sample the music of this great Swedish romantic composer.