Tamsin Waley-Cohen is certainly not afraid to let her violin rasp dirtily…nonetheless, she also has a creamy lyricism, and she doesn't shy away from the occasional lilting portamento…it is the sheer melting beauty in the opening pages of the final movement that makes Hahn's sonata so affecting, especially with Waley-Cohen's hushed tone.

Waley-Cohen produces a beautiful, soft, creamy tone in the lyrical passages, and throughout the recital we're treated to a remarkable palette of tone colours. Huw Watkins is able to match this range most effectively…this helps one realise that Hahn's music, which in a nondescript performance might emerge as typical light music, has in fact a particular distinction which is…well worth returning to.

The finely recorded Sonata performances offer a rather poignant and reflective view of the music. The disc is certainly thought-provoking and therefore the opposite of received opinion in the repertoire.

The album comprises a sonata each by Szymanowski, impassioned and romantic, and Hahn, subtly Gallic and lyrical, as well as shorter works, all played with verve and style.

Tamsin Waley-Cohen launches into Szymanowski’s Sonata with gusto, her bow rasping on the string in the composer’s passionate flights, her sound meltingly beautiful and fragile with graceful melodies. It is a fine performance … Her playing is beguiling and understated, deftly shaping Hahn’s sinuous lines … the whole sonata is a wonderful demonstration of delicate, subtle expression.