Since Robert Schumann (1810-1856) and Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) were such close friends and, admired and promoted each other's music, it certainly is nice to have a recording which features comparable chamber music works by both composers. Especially when you consider that these were written late in each composer's output and that they practically share the same opus number. The only main difference lies in their individual outlook and expressive character. Schumann's Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in D minor, Op. 121 was written in 1851 when the composer was only 41 years old, and therefore still exhibits a somewhat youthful drive and romantic optimism that harks back to his Florestan and Eusebius descriptive style. He died a short five years later. On the other hand, the Brahms Sonata for Viola and Piano in F minor, Op. 120 No. 1 (originally scored for Clarinet and Piano), was written in 1894 during the composer's autumn years. It is therefore a much more ruminative, inward looking and substantial work.

I admire the way Burkhard Maiss and Ji-Yeoun You, also known as The Duo MAISS YOU perform together. They seem to share an instinctive awareness of each other's expressive and dynamic attention to the score, and automatically adjust their own approach to match the other's, without falling into follow the leader roles. In too many duo chamber encounters, there always seems to be a master and servant system at work, with the piano part playing the secondary, less prominent role. But in this recording, pianist Ji-Yeoun You clearly demonstrates that the piano part more often than not, sets the expressive mood and dynamic momentum of each individual movement, as per the composer's obvious intent. By doing so she seems to embolden Burkhard Maiss to project certain expressive details with more intensity, which makes for a stronger and deeply commited interpretation.

Burkhard Maiss gives numerous master classes around the world, and Ji-Yeoun You teaches at the Berlin University of the Arts.