The Virtuoso Viola : R.Chase, Michiko Otaki

The Virtuoso Viola

Arthur BENJAMIN (1893-1960): Le tombeau de Ravel
George ENESCU (1881-1955): Piece de Concert
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750): Fantasia cromatica (arranged for solo viola by Zoltan Kodaly)
Joseph JONGEN (1873-1953): Introduction et Danse, Op. 102
Henry VIEUXTEMPS (1820-81): Capriccio for solo viola
Henry VIEUXTEMPS: Elegie, Op. 30
Nicolo PAGANINI (1782-1840): Sonata per la gran viola, Op. 35 (cadenzas by Atar Arad)
Fritz KREISLER (1871-1962): Praeludium and Allegro
Bernard SHORE (1896-1985): Scherzo

Roger Chase (viola)
Michiko Otaki (piano)

Recorded 2007

Lovers of the viola will rejoice at this deliciously varied musical feast: Zoltan Kodaly’s magnificent transcription of Bach’s Chromatic Fantasia, Paganini’s Sonata (actually a theme and variations), two elegiac pieces by Vieuxtemps, Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro, Benjamin’s Le tombeau de Ravel, Enescu’s treacherously difficult yet fluidly melodic Concert Piece, Jongen’s impressionistic Introduction et Danse, and Bernard Shore’s charming Scherzo. ( NAXOS )