Hiyoli Togawa & Lilit Grigoryan - Romantic Viola Sonatas (2018)

Tracklist
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01. Cello Sonata in F Major, Op. 16 No. 1 (Version for Viola & Piano): I. Allegro
02. Cello Sonata in F Major, Op. 16 No. 1 (Version for Viola & Piano): II. Andante
03. Cello Sonata in F Major, Op. 16 No. 1 (Version for Viola & Piano): III. Allegretto
04. Viola Sonata in C Minor, MWV Q14: I. Adagio-Allegro
05. Viola Sonata in C Minor, MWV Q14: II. Menuetto. Allegro molto
06. Viola Sonata in C Minor, MWV Q14: III. Andante con variazioni
07. 6 Nocturnes, Op. 186: No. 1, Larghetto
08. 6 Nocturnes, Op. 186: No. 2, Allegretto, ma un poco vivo
09. 6 Nocturnes, Op. 186: No. 3, Poco adagio
10. 6 Nocturnes, Op. 186: No. 4, Allegretto, ma un poco vivo
11. 6 Nocturnes, Op. 186: No. 5, Adagio con molta espressione
12. 6 Nocturnes, Op. 186: No. 6, Allegro moderato
The viola established itself as a prominent solo voice in the twentieth century, but the three works here illustrate the instrument's wide spectrum in chamber music of the nineteenth century. Concluding with a striking series of free variations, Mendelssohn's Viola Sonata in C minor is notable for its combination of dignified melancholy, exuberance and lightness of texture, culminating in a striking series of free variations. Prague-born Johann Wenzel Kalliwoda's Six Nocturnes, Op. 186 exemplify the beautifully crafted poetry and lyric features for which he was so admired, while Georges Onslow's Viola Sonata, arranged from the cello original, is exceptionally elegant and virtuosic.