Thomas Albertus Irnberger, Michael Korstick - Brahms, Schumann: Viola Sonatas, Fairy Tale Pictures (2026) [Hi-Res]

02. Sonata No. 1 in F minor for Piano and Clarinet (Viola), Op. 120 No. 1 - II - Andante un poco Adagio
03. Sonata No. 1 in F minor for Piano and Clarinet (Viola), Op. 120 No. 1 - III - Allegretto grazioso
04. Sonata No. 1 in F minor for Piano and Clarinet (Viola), Op. 120 No. 1 - IV - Vivace
05. Sonata No. 2 in E-flat major for Piano and Clarinet (Viola), Op. 120 No. 2 - I - Allegro amabile
06. Sonata No. 2 in E-flat major for Piano and Clarinet (Viola), Op. 120 No. 2 - II - Allegro appassionato – Trio
07. Sonata No. 2 in E-flat major for Piano and Clarinet (Viola), Op. 120 No. 2 - III - Andante con moto – Allegro – Più tranquillo
08. Four Pieces for Viola and Piano, Op. 113 “Fairy Tale Pictures” - I - Nicht schnell
09. Four Pieces for Viola and Piano, Op. 113 “Fairy Tale Pictures” - II - Lebhaft
10. Four Pieces for Viola and Piano, Op. 113 “Fairy Tale Pictures” - III - Rasch
11. Four Pieces for Viola and Piano, Op. 113 “Fairy Tale Pictures” - IV - Langsam, mit melancholischem Ausdruck

“If you were to come to Frankfurt, particularly during the first half of winter, please do let me know. I would then come too, and would either invite Mühlfeld along or bring a viola part with me – for two clarinet sonatas that I would like Mrs Schumann to hear. These unpretentious pieces would not disturb our cosiness – but it would be lovely!” So wrote the 61-year-old Johannes Brahms on 14 October 1894 to his friend, the violin virtuoso Joseph Joachim. Even this brief remark points to the composer’s early intention to have his two Sonatas, Op. 120, performed alternatively on wind instruments or the viola. The fact that these works, as the penultimate entries in Brahms’ catalogue, are by no means to be classified as undemanding, but rather represent a new focal point in his entire oeuvre, is impressively demonstrated in this interpretation by the Salzburg violinist and violist Thomas Albertus Irnberger and his long-standing piano partner Michael Korstick. Alongside this, Robert Schumann’s “Märchenbilder” Op. 113 offers another highlight of the viola-piano repertoire.

Thomas Albertus Irnberger skilfully explores these intimate and deeply introspective works in the most beautiful way. Michael Korstick does not limit himself to mere accompaniment, but fills the two sonatas perfectly with his outstanding piano playing. Irnberger and Korstick also complement each other well in Robert Schumann’s Märchenbilder. They allow dynamic tensions to flash through just as they savour the romantic line of the music.” (Remy Franck, pizzicato)

Thomas Albertus Irnberger, viola
Michael Korstick, piano