I don't think I will ever completely take to the music of Karol Szymanowski. But the 76 minute CD of his complete music for violin and piano from Alina Ibragimova and Cédric Tiberghien (Hyperion) is a real pleasure to listen to ... mainly thanks to the incredible violin playing of Alina Ibragimova. Only 25 years old this year, Alina presents an incredible repertoire of violin sounds, dynamics and colouring; just what Szymanowski's music needs, all played with her usual 100% commitment. The violin here rivals a full symphony orchestra in the range of sound and colour it can present; an object lesson in what can be drawn from one, small, 1738 Pietro Guarneri violin.

Tiberghien is an excellent and sensitive partner for Ibragimova's violin. And all praise to Alina and Hyperion for eschewing the usual "violin babe" CD presentation; just one black and white photo of a skinny Alina (and one of the pianist). Otherwise no attempt to market the CD as a sex come-on which, given the fact Alina is a very pretty blond, is quite a temptation to resist.

2010 has now begun. I ended the year with Bach's Mass in B minor (Otto Klemperer recording). 2010 has started with Karol Szymanowski played by Ibragimova; I hope the next 365 days live up to the musical standard of the past twelve hours!