The current issue of American Record Guide contains a very positive review of Gems Rediscovered (DE 3425), Delos’ recent release of little-known late-romantic masterpieces for viola and piano by composers Paul Juon, Ernest Walker, Benjamin Dale and Robert Fuchs. Reviewer Joseph Magil – a violist himself – offers appreciative descriptions of all four works, with particular praise for the “muscular” and “gripping” viola sonata by Juon (who has been called “the Russian Brahms”): a work that kept him “sitting on the edge of his seat.” Magil goes on to praise the abilities of both violist Spencer Martin and pianist Miko Kominami, and ends his review by saying, “I am grateful to them for recording these interesting works that I have not heard before.”
Violists who are on the prowl for distinctive fresh repertoire – as well as chamber music fans who are looking for obscure, yet eminently worthy discoveries – will be grateful, too. Scroll down to check this remarkable and beautifully played music out!
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