*** 1/2 ELGAR AND FRANCK: Sonatas for violin and piano. Midori, violin; Robert McDonald, piano. (Sony Classical)

On this disc, as always, Midori’s extraordinary gifts and accomplishment are easy to take for granted: a master, only 26 (as of Oct. 25), growing with her times. Her rapport with pianist McDonald provides joy and illumination, again as usual. Elgar’s wondrous, underrated E-minor Sonata and even the too-frequently-heard Franck work both benefit from the team’s ministrations. Mechanically, all is smooth and varied; all this music sings and speaks with eloquence; Elgar, in particular thrives under the players’ blanket of fortitude and delicacy. The thrills may reside in the scores, but Midori-McDonald bring them to compelling life.

*

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