Carl Reinecke's music was deeply influenced by the world of fairy tales, which he described as a 'safe realm of dreams' that stayed with him throughout his life.
Composer Biography
Carl Reinecke, another composer on this album, was known as one of the best Mozart players of his time and served as the musical director of the Gewandhaus in Leipzig from 1860 to 1895.
Composition History
Robert Schumann's 'Fairy Tale Pictures' (Märchenbilder op. 113) in 1852 initiated a series of romantic character pieces for viola and piano, influencing works like Carl Reinecke's Fantasy Pieces.
Composer Biography
Friedrich Kiel, a composer featured on this album, dedicated his Op. 1 to Franz Liszt but was also considered a potential signatory for a manifesto against the 'New German School' of Wagner and Liszt.
Historical Context
The viola was primarily considered an accompanying and ensemble instrument until the 20th century, with few sonatas written for it by classical composers.
Composer Biography
Heinrich XXIV Prince Reuss, a composer on this album, was a passionate musician from a young age, despite also studying law, and was a recognized member of the Brahms circle.
Performer Biography
Anna Kreetta Gribajcevic, the violist on this recording, has given the Finnish premieres of works by Ligeti, Kurtag, and Schedrin, and her recording of Kalevi Aho's viola concerto won multiple awards.
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Impressions
Reflections
Viola Recital: Bianchi, Luigi Alberto - Paganini, N. / Kreisler, F. / Sarasate, P.
Schubert: Arpeggione Sonata / Beethoven: Notturno in D Major
York Bowen & Rebecca Clarke – Sonatas for viola and piano
Soaring Spirit
Brief Encounters
Music for Viola & Piano by Reinecke, Schumann, Vieuxtemps, Wieniawski, Sibelius and Bridge
Voices from the Homefront: American Viola Works from the 1940s
past forward · Stylianou: Sonatas for Viola and Piano Nos. 1 & 2
