Igor Fedotov, Leonid Vechkhayzer, Gary Hammond - Soviet Russian Viola Music (2010)

Tracklist

01. Viola Sonata, Op. 15
02. Viola Sonata, Op. 46
03. Sonata for Viola & Piano No. 1, Op. 62 No. 1: I. Tranquillo e molto cantabile
04. Sonata for Viola & Piano No. 1, Op. 62 No. 1: II. Allegro -
05. Sonata for Viola & Piano No. 1, Op. 62 No. 1: III. Lento
06. Viola Sonata: I. Moderato
07. Viola Sonata: II. Andante
08. Viola Sonata: III. Animato
09. Viola Sonata, Op. 44: I. Allegro assai e poco inquieto
10. Viola Sonata, Op. 44: II. Tema con variazioni
11. Viola Sonata, Op. 44: III. Postludia

Here is a recording of rarities on two counts. Not only is the music of Kriukov, Vasilenko, Frid, Krein and Bogdanov-Berezovsky little known outside of Russia, but viola sonatas are as welcome as they are scarce.

Romantic lyricism, the influence of Scriabin and Shostakovich, Russian emotionalism and a touch of French sensibility each thread through these engaging works which exploit the viola’s rich tone.

Igor Fedotov and Leonid Vechkhayzer here make their Naxos débuts, while Gary Hammond can also be heard on Naxos’s recording of music by Lucien Lambert sr. and jr. (8559037).

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