Pierre Rode’s music represents the full flowering of the French violin school founded by his mentor Giovanni Battista Viotti. Naxos’s recordings of his 24 Caprices (8570958) and Violin Concertos Nos. 3, 4 and 6 (8570767) have received critical accolades, with Nos. 7, 10 and 13 to be released on 8570469. The virtuosic 12 Etudes heard here run the gamut from graceful to vigorously dramatic, testing the artistry and technique of the solo violinist to the utmost. The three Duos present fewer technical demands, concentrating instead on lyricism, elfin sprightliness and dynamic contrasts. Award-winning Nicolas Koeckert, who performs regularly as a soloist with leading orchestras from around the world, is joined on this recording by his father, the internationally-renowned chamber musician Rudolf Koeckert.