Hans GÁL: Music for Viola, Volume One
Hans Gál (1890–1987) wrote extensively for the viola, including several remarkable works dating from the first decade of his new life in Edinburgh, where he took refuge after the Nazis seized power in his native Austria. His poignant Suite Concertante for viola and orchestra – effectively a concerto for the instrument – is joined here by three substantial chamber works, all infused with Gál’s trademark lyricism.
Hanna Pakkala, viola
Reijo Tunkkari, violin (Tracks 5-8, 12-15)
Irina Zahharenkova, piano (Tracks 9–11)
Takuya Takashima, oboe (Tracks 12–15)
Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra (Tracks 1–4)
Sakari Oramo, conductor (Tracks 1–4)
Listen To This Recording:
-
Suite Concertante for Viola and Orchestra, Op. 102a (1949)*
- I Cantabile
- II Furioso
- Suite Concertante for viola and orchestra Op.102a:III Con grazia
- IV Burla
- I Meditazione
- II Folletti
- III Figurina
- IV Burletta
- I Adagio
- II Quasi menuetto tranquillo
- III Allegro risoluto e vivace
- I Pastorale
- II Intermezzo grazioso
- III Intermezzo agitato
- IV Meditation on a Scottish Tune
Divertimento for Violin and Viola, Op. 90, No. 3 (1969)
Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op. 101 (1942)
Trio for Oboe, Violin and Viola, Op. 94 (1941)*
* FIRST RECORDINGS
MusicWeb International :
’81 minutes of music – four substantial and neatly varied pieces each of around twenty minutes duration constitute this excellent issue. It makes for a good lockdown evening concert – during the interval be sure to raise your glass of whatever to this fine composer whose time has surely arrived. Performances are uniformly expert and often invigorating; Toccata’s documentation and sonics want for nothing.’
—Richard Hanlon, MusicWeb International
Gramophone :
‘I doubt that the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra and Sakari Oramo had encountered much of Gál’s music over the years but they play the four movements of the Suite (given here, for the first time, in its orchestral version) with relish. […]
The star of the show is their principal viola, Hanna Pakkala. Her formidable, prize-winning technique, rich and full tone and dedication to neglected works make her an ideal exponent. Her intonation is absolutely perfect, too. An intuitive chamber player, her account with Reijo Tunkkari (the Ostrobothnian CO’s concertmaster) of the Divertimento for violin and viola (1969, the last of a series of three duos initiated in 1958) is a marvel of musicality, both players immersed in Gál’s inexhaustible invention; listen especially to the quicksilver evocation of elves, ‘Folletti’, or delicate interlude, ‘Figurina’. […]
Suffice it to say that this is music-making – from composer and players alike – of the highest order. Recommended with all possible enthusiasm.’
—Guy Rickards, Gramophone
WTJU :
گBut recordings like this one let us hear the merits of Gals music, regardless of how they fit the fashions of the time.
Gal was a masterful composer, and that’s obvious in every one of these works for the viola. ج…چ
Violist Hanna Pakkala performs these works with great understanding. Her playing yields a rich, singing tone that highlights the inherent lyricism of Gal’s music.گ
—Ralph Graves, WTJU
Keskipohjanmaa :
‘Hanna Pakkalalle tämä levy on täysosuma. Varmaa, jäntevää sointia, jolla kelpaa käydä Hans Gálin virittelemille vaelluksille.’
English translation:
‘This album is a perfect fit for Hanna Pakkala. A sure, strong sound that is suitable for the journey through Hans Gál.’
—Mikko A. Himanka, Keskipohjanmaa
Klassinen musiikki :
‘Alusta lähtien käy selväksi, että Pakkalan soiton tumma ja lämmin perussointi sopii mainiosti Gálin musiikkiin. Usein pitkälinjaiset ja maltillisesti kaareutuvat melodiat pitävät hyvin jännitteensä samalla raukeasti kuulostuen. Melodia johdatteleekin kuulijaa koko sarjan neljän osan ajan, kun Pakkala sekä Sakari Oramon johtama Keski-Pohjanmaan kamariorkesteri kaartelee lyyristen laulavuuksien, tanssien ja kujeiden välillä. […]
Romanttisempia äänenpainoja kuullaan A-duuri-viulusonaatissa, kun Pakkala ja pianisti Irina Zahharenkova nautiskelevat hehkuvien melodialinjastojen kuumotuksesta. […]
Hanna Pakkalan maanläheisen ja taitavan muusikkouden ympärille rakentuva julkaisu vahvistaa Gálin säveltäjäkuvaa hienostuneen romanttis-sävytteisen melodiikan taitajana.’
English translation:
‘From the beginning, it becomes clear that the dark and warm foundation of Pakkala’s playing is a perfect match for Gál’s music. The often long-winded and moderately curved melodies hold their tension well while sounding peaceful. The melody guides the listener throughout the four parts of the series, as Pakkala and the Central Ostrobothnia Chamber Orchestra conducted by Sakari Oramo meander between lyrical vocals, dances and alleys. […]
More romantic tonal accents are heard in the A major violin sonata, as Pakkala and pianist Irina Zahharenkova enjoy the warmth of the glowing melodic lines. […]
The recording, built around Hanna Pakkala’s down-to-earth and skilled musicianship, reinforces Gál’s image as a composer of refined romantic-toned melodies.’
—Aki Yli-Salomäki, Klassinen musiikki
Opus Klassiek :
”De uitvoeringen voldoen aan de hoogste eisen, de toelichting is alleen in het Engels en komt met uitgebreide muziekvoorbeelden(!) en de opnamekwaliteit is om te zoenen. Een schitterende hommage aan een groot componist.’
English translation:
‘The performances meet the highest standards, the commentary is in English only and includes extensive musical examples (!), and the recording quality is exquisite. A wonderful tribute to a great composer.’
—Siebe Riedstra, Opus Klassiek