A Century of American Viola Sonatas
These five works – four sonatas and a sonatina – chronicle a century of American writing for the viola and are linked by a concern for directness of musical language. But they also reflect diversity in their origins and inspirations, the Ulysses Kay pieces being written by a pioneering African American, Libby Larsen’s by a successful female freelance composer, Eric Ewazen’s animated by a particularly American lyricism and energy, and the sonata by David Tcimpidis commemorating the ‘9/11’ terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, which Tcimpidis heard unfolding.
Basil Vendryes, viola
William David, piano
Ulysses Kay
- Sonatine for Viola and Piano (1939)* (4:54)
Viola Sonata (1942)* (10:29)
- I. Largo (2:33)
- II. Allegro (2:19)
- III. Adagio (1:18)
- IV. Allegretto (4:19)
David Tcimpidis
- Viola Sonata (2004)* (8:31)
Libby Larsen
Viola Sonata (2004) (18:32)
- I. Flow (6:24)
- II. Drift (7:16)
- III. Breathless (4:52)
Eric Ewazen
Viola Sonata (1991) (18:59)
- I. Lento. Allegro Apassionato (7:06)
- II. Andante (5:29)
- III. Allegro energico (6:24)
*First Recordings
Charlottesville Classical :
‘The works are all first-rate compositions. Kay’s two works and Tcimpidi’s sonata receive world recording premieres. All three are strong additions to the viola’s repertoire.
Both Larsen and Ewazen have solid reputations for music that connects with audiences. Their viola sonatas are no exception. Both have an immediate appeal that draws the listener in.
The performances are also solid. Basil Vendryes plays with assurance and authority. Pianist William David makes every work seem like a collaboration. This raises the overall performance to a new level.
This release isn’t a survey. But it is a collection of American viola sonatas. And ones that are well-constructed and pleasingly performed.’
—Ralph Graves, Charlottesville Classical