Sentimental Work: Christian Poltéra on Ravel’s Sonata for violin and cello

Ravel’s Sonata for violin and cello is arguably the greatest masterpiece for those two instruments. Over the years it’s also become an important piece for me. It’s aesthetically elegant throughout, and structurally it’s written perfectly, but it’s also undeniably a challenging work – it’s clear that Ravel wasn’t a cellist himself! There are moments, such as the opening of the first movement, that are incredibly uncomfortable…