From the end of the 19th century and onward, the frequency with which prominent composers were found writing for the viola increased dramatically. This phenomenon was seen around the world as the instrument's deep, resonate sound fell more into favor and virtuosos became more commonplace. This Naxos album focuses on viola works to emerge from Hungary. From this country, composers often fell into two camps. The first were those who adopted the popular late-Romantic, German idiom; here, this is represented by the Joachim Op. ...
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From the end of the 19th century and onward, the frequency with which prominent composers were found writing for the viola increased dramatically. This phenomenon was seen around the world as the instrument's deep, resonate sound fell more into favor and virtuosos became more commonplace. This Naxos album focuses on viola works to emerge from Hungary. From this country, composers often fell into two camps. The first were those who adopted the popular late-Romantic, German idiom; here, this is represented by the Joachim Op. 9 Hebrew Melodies and the Dohnányi Op. 21 Sonata in an arrangement by performer Sarah-Jane Bradley. (Dohnányi himself had played an arrangement of the piece with violist Lionel Tertis). Countering these highly lyrical compositions are those from composers who sought to develop a more nationalistic musical idiom and include the Martinu Sonata, H. 355, the Kodály Adagio, and the Enescu Concertstück. Bradley's program is not only well thought out and diverse, but demonstrates the...
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