It’s always a pleasure to welcome a new voice, especially one as talented as Callum Smart. Just 17 at the time of this recording, he’s already a very accomplished violinist, performing the technically complex passages in the Chausson with confidence and aplomb, and always showing mature musical awareness. His command of legato is particularly impressive; the cantabile passages in the Franck and Chausson are given emotional force through the way the notes are connected, smoothly and with varying degrees of intensity.

All the performances are satisfying and enjoyable. I was especially taken with the Chausson, whose narrative character is maintained through carefully graded variations of pace and expressive warmth, and the second movement of the Franck – a splendidly passionate account. Occasionally I felt that Smart was being a touch too careful, for instance in the finale of the Grieg, where other duos have sounded more exultant at a slightly faster tempo.

Gordon Back’s accomplished playing provides sensitive support and the disc can be warmly recommended. It’s only fair to point out, however, that for me none of the items would be quite a top choice. In the Franck, Louis Lortie (with Augustin Dumay) and Jeremy Denk (with Joshua Bell) show a more subtle control of touch and pedalling than Back; the 1996 Grieg recording by Henning Kraggerud and Helge Kjekshus projects the work’s Nordic atmosphere more compellingly; and Tedi Papavrami (with orchestra) makes the Chausson appear more vivid and dramatic. However, I’m sure that with greater experience, Callum Smart will dare to be bolder in pushing his interpretative ideas. Already he’s a distinguished musician.