The viola is only slightly larger than the violin but possesses a middle range that is irchly expressive and full of pathos. It has been played by some of the greatest composers, including JS Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Dvorak- and the rise of virtuoso players in the 19th century encouraged composers to write ever more expressive works for the instrument, not least sonatas and concertos, such as those in this collection. The explosion of pieces written for it in the 20th century has ensured that the viola can now take center stage in the world’s concert halls.

Artists

Ladislav Kyselák (viola), Hong-Mei Xiao (viola), Roger Chase (viola), Roberto Díaz (viola), Robert Koenig (piano), Rivka Golani (viola), Heinrich Koll (viola), Madoka Inui (piano), Tabea Zimmermann (viola), Maria Kliegel (cello), Dmitry Sinkovsky (viola), Aapo Häkkinen (piano), Matthew Jones (viola), Michael Hampton (piano), Victoria Chiang (viola), Jeremy Denk (piano), Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola), Anthony Hewitt (piano), Takako Nishizaki (violin), Helen Callus (viola), Cappella Istropolitana, Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Richard Edlinger, János Kovács, Yoav Talmi, Markand Thakar, Stephen Gunzenhauser, Marc Decio Taddei