Joseph Achron (1886-1943), a pupil of Leopold Auer and Lyadov, extended the 19th-century tradition of the violin virtuoso able to provide much of his own repertoire. He was born in Lithuania and, after a career based first in Berlin, then in Russia, emigrated in the 1920s to Palestine, later to America, settling eventually in Los Angeles. His music developed from turn-of-the-century elegance, through Scriabin-like chromaticism, to a more sharply defined, quite dissonant style – particularly well displayed here in the Children’s Suite. Along the way, he developed a deep interest in Jewish folk music, using traditional melodies as well as incorporating its idioms into his original music.

Throughout these two discs, we’re aware of Shaham and Erez’s regard for Achron’s music and their understanding of all its different facets. Achron frequently demands virtuosity and, in movements such as the ‘Marche grotesque’ that ends the Suite bizarre, Hagai Shaham is able to amaze us with his brilliance and dexterity. Most of these pieces are genuine duos and Arnon Erez’s highly expressive, colourful playing brings out all their harmonic and textural subtleties. I’m sure this experienced team’s sensitive collaboration would have delighted the composer. If you know Achron’s music, you’ll want to acquire this set; if he’s new to you, I can assure you he’s well worth investigating.