Gems Rediscovered
Music of: Paul Juon, Ernest Walker, Benjamin Dale, Robert Fuchs
Spencer Martin, viola
Miko Kominami, piano
“It is my hope that this music will be of interest to violists and non-violists alike, as each of these pieces deserves a place in our standard repertory.” — Spencer Martin
The burnished, golden sonorities of the viola – the “forgotten stepsister” to the violin – are all too seldom heard in chamber compositions. Viola virtuoso supreme Spencer Martin and Delos seek to redress this injustice with “Gems Rediscovered,” a collection of lovely and beautifully crafted works for viola and piano from four little-known composers of the late-romantic era … works that definitely deserve to be restored to the sadly limited repertoire of chamber music for the viola.
The program features lush and varied sonatas by fairly obscure composers, including Russian-born Paul Juon – who has been called the “Russian Brahms.” On that subject, the often “abrasive” and hard-to-please Brahms held the music of Austrian notable Robert Fuchs in very high regard. There’s also striking music from Englishman Ernest Walker – plus a touching Romance by Benjamin Dale, another British composer.
- Rare and attractive chamber treats for viola: that unfairly neglected “underdog” of stringed instruments
- Music of startling quality and appeal from romantic-era composers you probably don’t know
- Bracing, profound performances from violist and pianist alike
Listen to Fuchs: Sonata in D Minor for Viola and Piano, Op. 86 – III. Allegro vivace on Delos Radio:
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