RECORDINGS
Romantic Viola Music
Hendrik
Andriessen 1892–1981: Sonatine for viola and piano; Friedrich Kiel 1821–1885:
Three Romances, Op. 69 [Drei Romanzen]; Heinrich von Herzogenberg: Legends,
Op. 62 [Legenden]; Heinrich XXIV., Prinz Reuss 1855–1910: Sonata in G
Major, Op. 22; Joseph Joachim 1831–1907: Hebrew Melodies, Op. 9 [Hebräische
Melodien]
Anna Barbara Duetschler, viola
Marc Pantillon, piano
Claves CD 50-9905
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CD | MP3 Download
The large repertoire of works for the viola is due primarily to the efforts
of German composers from the Romantic period. Hummel and Weber, for example,
reserved the viola a special place in their compositions, and Schumann dedicated
the four pieces of his Märchenbilder to this instrument. Also worthy
of mention are Max Bruch’s double concerto and his Pieces for clarinet,
viola and piano. Brahms himself authorized the transcription for viola of
his two clarinet sonatas.
The composers recorded here are less well known then those mentioned above,
but they were adherents of similar credos. The majority belonged to Brahms’
circle, traditionalists, avowed anti- Wagnerians, musicians dedicated to chamber
music. Joseph Joachim was one of the greatest violinists of his time and one
of Brahms’ closest friends. Friedrich Kiel was a member of the Academy
of Arts in Berlin and made important contributions to the revitalization of
German sacred music. Heinrich von Herzogenberg was another intimate friend
of the Brahms. Together with Philipp Spitta he founded the Bachverein. Heinrich
XXIV Prinz Reuss was a student of Herzogenberg, he abandoned a promising law
career for music. Hendrik Andriessen is the only composer on this recording
who is not directly connected to Brahms and his circle, his music represents
a synthesis between French and German influences.
Ignaz Lachner 1807-1895
Complete Trios for Violin, Viola and Piano
World Premier Recording
B-flat
Major, op. 37, D Minor, op. 89, C Major, op. 103, E-flat Major, op. 102, D
Major, op. 58, G Major, op. 45
Stefan Muhmenthaler, violin
Anna Barbara Dütschler, viola
Marc Pantillon, piano
Ignaz Lachner - Six piano trios
Claves CD 50-9802/3 (2 CDs)
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This CD features the world première recording of Ignaz Lachner’s
trios for the uncommon formation of violin, viola and piano. - Ignaz Lachner
and his music was quickly and unjustly forgotten during the many changes during
the second half of the 19th century. His older and more famous brother Franz
introduced him to Schubert and his circle of friends, which left a lasting
influence on his musical style. The six trios are very similar in formal structure,
each four movements in length. Nevertheless, each work is characterized by
its own mood and atmosphere, one is denser, the other more symphonic, another
more transparent, classical. Lachner’s colorful palette of harmonies
and sonorities is distinct, attractive and surprising.
Marc Pantillon, piano, Stefan Muhmenthaler, violin und Anna Barbara Dütschler,
viola, have brought a repertoire back to life with this recording, that is
well worth discovering. The musicians have made a number of other ”discoveries”
that they will be sharing with us on future recordings!
Sonatas for Viola and Fortepiano
Carl
Stamitz (1745-1801): Sonata in B-flat Major;
Johann N. Hummel (1778-1837): Sonata in E-flat Major, op. 5, No. 3; Johann
Baptist Vanhal (1739-1813): Sonata in E-flat Major; C. Ditters v. Dittersdorf
(1739-1799): Sonata in E-flat Major
Anna Barbara Dütschler, viola
Ursula Dütschler, fortepiano
5 Diapason, Paris
Claves CD 50-9502
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CD| MP3 Download
The four composers on this recording are related in a number of different fashions: they traveled frequently and far and wide, from court to court, performing, composing and thus also exchanging ideas with one another. They were renowned and celebrated throughout Europe during their lifetimes, even more so than Mozart or Beethoven. Haydn and Mozart highly estimated Vanhal’s symphonic works, and they regularly played string quartets with him and Dittersdorf (Mozart played viola in these quartets). Mozart traveled frequently to the court in Mannheim, where Stamitz’s father led the illustrious orchestra. And Hummel lived with Mozart for two years as one of his students, and his compositions show Mozart’s clear influence. These sonatas for viola and piano are pleasing for their elegance, simplicity and charm; they are compositions which deserve to be rediscovered and regularly performed once again.
Anna Barbara Duetschler, viola, and Ursula Duetschler, fortepiano, offer
a strong performance in their first recording as a duo.
