The 1940s was Prokofiev's decade of the violin sonata. During that time, the composer was to complete three sonatas, two for violin and piano, and a third for violin solo that was conceived in part as an etude as much as a sonata. The two sonatas with piano in particular have maintained a prominent place in the violin repertoire and among Prokofiev's works in general. The two haunting, at times despondent movements of the First Sonata were performed by Oistrakh at Prokofiev's funeral. The Second Sonata, written originally as a flute sonata but later adapted by the composer for violin, is in the sunny key of D major. It is filled with bright, youthful optimism that is still tempered by moments of stern seriousness and weightiness. Fresh from his First Prize victory at the 2010 Montreal International Musical Competition, violinist Benjamin Beilman joins forces with pianist Yekwon Sunwoo in performances of the complete sonatas on this Analekta disc. Beilman's playing reflects the many moods found in these works. He opens with the D major Sonata, in which his own youth shines through with carefree but highly precise playing. Possessing an earnestness far beyond his years, he conveys both the solemnity and brutality of the First Sonata with a stunning clarity of vision. Beilman delivers a wide variety of tone colors, a broad dynamic palette, and a meticulous control over pacing. The Solo Violin Sonata is elevated far above its didactic roots. Analekta's sound is crisp, clean, and pleasingly unadorned.