In the first of Schubert's three violin sonatas of 1816, the violin and piano are deployed on equal terms and, in this recording, the instruments themselves (a Stradivarius violin of 1709 and a c1825 Haschka fortepiano) sound ideally matched. The Second Sonata's more introspective character offers the opportunity for the artists more comprehensively to demonstrate the special abilities of their instruments. In the first movement, subtle pedal effects produce a textural variety which amply compensates for any lack of power compared with the modern piano, while the second movement shows most vividly the violin's astonishing tonal variety in different registers. Despite this duo's remarkably robust sound at times, the Third Sonata's defiant opening achieves a vehemence which modern instruments are possibly better able to express. Nevertheless, Schroder and Hogwood's true Schubertian feeling makes theirs an arresting and valuable period-instrument alternative.
A sensitive and intelligent performance of Mendelssohn's F minor Sonata, Op. 4 completes this excellent reissue's thoroughly satisfying programme.'