Julius Röntgen wrote almost three dozen works for violin and piano, seven more for violin solo. A few have appeared from time to time on disc, the F sharp minor Sonata (Op 20) most recently (Avie, 7/13), but while the sonatas for cello (and even those for viola) have fared well on disc, those for violin have been overlooked. Bravo, then, to Toccata Classics for launching a new series devoted to the violin music, which should take in the sonatas as it proceeds.

Two of the 10 works for violin (one a duet with cello) with the appellation ‘Sonata’ are included on this first volume, the E major (1900), his third mature work in the genre – ignoring a juvenile piece from 1867 and his 12th year – and the late (but not final) Sonata trilogica (1925). The earlier work is in four fairly conventional movements, Brahmsian in ethos and lyrical to a fault. The Sonata trilogica is in three movements, unsurprisingly, all of them free in form, and one of a smattering of exploratory works that enrich his otherwise traditionally based oeuvre.

Most attractive of all is the folk suite Aus Jotunheim (1892), one of Röntgen’s most popular works, which exists in three alternative instrumentations. Based on Norwegian folk tunes, it is charming and deftly put together. Atsuko Sahara plays it, the G minor Romanze (1920) and the sonatas very prettily, one or two minor issues with intonation aside, superbly accompanied by John Lenehan. Most gripping of all, though, is the unaccompanied Phantasie (1921), its five sections flowing with compelling logic and fantasy in equal measure. It’s worth the price of the disc alone.