Russian Viola Sonatas

This recording of unfamiliar gems of the viola repertoire should come as a gift for any violist looking for a more diverse selection of works to chose from (which I would think should be almost all of them). Composers Gaigerova, Alexander Winkler, and Paul Juon are certainly not household names, but they should become so through recording such as this one. Winkler's Sonata, Op. 10 is an especially interesting piece with an entertaining theme and variations third movement. Both Inanga and Nelson are well recorded and nicely balanced, and they sound they produce is gorgeous. This is a recording that should be widely cherished.

The viola rennaissance continues in this excellent recital by Eliesha Nelson and Glen Inanga. Why most are familliar with Shostokovich, Schnitke's controbution to the instrument, there where other equally compositions for the instrument by Russians. Nelson gets to the heart of the matter, evoking a genuine Russian atmosphere with a lush, yet strong tone and a solid command of the instrument. Inanga serves as an ideal foil. You would do well to have this in your library. -Bz