Brahms & Friends: Music for Viola and Piano

Zaslav Duo: Bernard Zaslav; Naomi Zaslav (Artist, Orchestra), Johannes Brahms; Robert Fuchs; Heinrich Herzogenberg; Joseph Joachim; Friedrich Kiel; Carl Reinecke; Hans Sitt (Composer), Bernard Zaslav (Conductor), Johannes Brahms (Orchestra), Bernardd Zaslav; Naomi Zaslav (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Bernardd Zaslav; Naomi Zaslav
• Orchestra: Zaslav Duo: Bernard Zaslav; Naomi Zaslav, Johannes Brahms
• Conductor: Bernard Zaslav
• Composer: Johannes Brahms; Robert Fuchs; Heinrich Herzogenberg; Joseph Joachim; Friedrich Kiel; Carl Reinecke; Hans Sitt
• Audio CD (January 1, 2006)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Music & Arts Program
• ASIN: B00005NWL2
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,415 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #26 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Romantic (c.1820-1910) > Composers > Reinecke, Carl

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Brahms: Sonata For Piano & Viola In F Minor: Allegro appassionato

2. Brahms: Sonata For Piano & Viola In F Minor: Andante un poco Adagio

3. Brahms: Sonata For Piano & Viola In F Minor: Allegretto grazioso

4. Brahms: Sonata For Piano & Viola In F Minor: Vivace

5. Brahms: Sonata For Piano & Viola In E-flat Major: Allegro amabile

6. Brahms: Sonata For Piano & Viola In E-flat Major: Allegro appassionato

7. Brahms: Sonata For Piano & Viola In E-flat Major: Andante con moto-Allegro

8. Joachim: Variations For Viola & Piano, Op. 10

Disc: 2

1. Reinecke: Phantasiestucke For Viola & Piano, Op. 43: Romanze

2. Reinecke: Phantasiestucke For Viola & Piano, Op. 43: Allegro molto agitato

3. Reinecke: Phantasiestucke For Viola & Piano, Op. 43: "Humoreske" Molto vivace, Altes Volkslied, L'istesso tempo

4. Von Herzogenberg: Legenden For Viola & Piano, Op. 62: Andantino

5. Von Herzogenberg: Legenden For Viola & Piano, Op. 62: Moderato

6. Von Herzogenberg: Legenden For Viola & Piano, Op. 62: Andante

7. Kiel: Drei Romanzen For Viola & Piano, Op. 69: Andante con moto

8. Kiel: Drei Romanzen For Viola & Piano, Op. 69: Allegretto semplice

9. Kiel: Drei Romanzen For Viola & Piano, Op. 69: Allegro con passione

10. Fuchs: Sechs Phantasiestucke For Viola & Piano, Op. 117: Landler Tempo

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Violists like to complain of the paucity of romantic music for their instrument, yet these two discs refute that contention. In addition to the famous two Brahms Sonatas, the discs feature unfamiliar, thoroughly Romantic works, by six of the composer's "friends." All are clearly influenced by Brahms and Schumann; indeed, the absence of the latter's "Märchenbilder" (Fairy Tale Pictures) is conspicuous and inexplicable. In a substantial set of Variations by Joseph Joachim, a lovely theme is transformed and developed in inventively contrasting ways, including a somber contrapuntal piece and a Hungarian semi-improvisation.

Three very Schumannesque "Phantasiestücke" (Fantasy Pieces) by Carl Reinecke, famous mostly for his "Undine" Flute Sonata, include a swooping Romance and a merry Humoresque. Similar in style but technically more brilliant are "Drei Romanzen" (Three Romances) by Friedrich Kiel. Heinrich von Herzogenberg, husband of Brahms's close friend and musical correspondent Elisabeth, contributes three very Brahmsian, melodious, passionate "Legenden" (Legends); Hans Sitt's "Albumblätter" (Album Leaves) display inventive harmonies, spoken phrasing, and effective instrumental writing; the final piece ends in mid-air. Probably the best composer is Robert Fuchs, whose "Sechs Phantasiestücke" (Six Fantasy Pieces) have adventurous harmonies, striking modulations, and strong contrasts of mood and character.

Letting the Brahms Sonatas open the program seems unfair to his "friends," though this can hardly have been the players' intention. Violist Bernard Zaslav and his pianist-wife Naomi are excellent, and they treat the music with total respect and love. The viola tone is beautiful, pure, warm, and expressive; ensemble and balance are first-rate. Their approach is lyrical, broad, expansive, noble, and inward, without external effects. The first Brahms Sonata is wistful, poetic, gracious; the second one smiles with autumnal benevolence. A worthy successor to the Zaslavs' Bloch disc on the same label, this is a splendid recording. --Edith Eisler