Nichols does not emphasise the fact that all three pieces are the work of young composers, tragically so in the case of Guillaume Lekeu whose sonata dates from 1893, a year before he died at the age of 24.
Little, together with pianist Martin Roscoe, opens the set with this piece, its restless textures offering limitless scope for the intense emotional engagement that we so value in these musicians.
The slow movement, substantially in 7/4, is a beautifully drawn-out song; as often happens on this disc, you find yourself craning forward to enjoy the very physical sound of bow on string.
The volatile moods of Lekeu's Finale are brilliantly charted. It is years now since Little charmed us with Ravel's 1927 sonata, in a delightfully jazzy partnership with Australian pianist Piers Lane.
The Ravel is an early work. The 22-year-old composer is content to look backwards and the musicians enjoy the uninhibited lushness of it all, lovingly caught by producer Rachel Smith.
The Faure sonata looks back too; in fact, Roscoe's surging introduction reminds me of the pianist's fine Auckland recital in 2007. Finely-tuned teamwork makes for riveting listening, whether travelling through the shifting moods of the andante or riding the helter-skelter of Faure's scherzo.
French Violin Sonatas (Chandos)
Verdict: French sonatas glow with the energy and impetuousness of youth.
