[ Harmonia Mundi / CD ]
Release Date: Friday 30 April 2021
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Magisterially rounding off one of the nineteenth century's most remarkable bodies of chamber music, Brahms' two Sonatas op.120 call for a virtuosity wholly dedicated to their extraordinary lyricism. Just as in the famous 'Lullaby', the melodic line develops with an almost organic naturalness, in close proximity to the human voice. Hence it is hardly surprising in this context to discover two lieder in which baritone and viola are treated as equals, and which are here interpreted by three exceptional musicians.
"The playing of these two fine artists offers high-class musical riches at every point, Tamestit finding a ceaseless range of tone-colours that always sounds natural rather than contrived." - BBC Music Magazine 4/5 Stars
"If you want to bask in this sonata's autumnal glow, these players' expressively meticulous performance will do very nicely indeed." Gramophone Magazine, May 2021
"If the fiery F minor is best heard on the clarinet, the blander E flat arguably benefits from the viola's more incisive tone. Fine performances; the near-contemporary 1899 Bechstein piano is ideal." Sunday Times
1.Viola Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1 - I. Allegro appassionato
2. Viola Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1 - II. Andante un poco adagio
3.Viola Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1 - III. Allegretto grazioso
4.Viola Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1 - IV. Vivace
5. Nachtigall, Op. 97 No. 1 (Arr. for viola and piano)
6.Viola Sonata No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2 - I. Allegro amabile
7. Viola Sonata No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2 - II. Allegro appassionato
8.Viola Sonata No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2 - III. Andante con moto - Allegro
9. Wiegenlied, Op. 49 No. 4 (Arr. for viola and piano)
10. Zwei Gesänge, Op. 91 - 1. Gestillte Sehnsucht
11. Zwei Gesänge, Op. 91 - 2. Geistliches Wiegenlied