Boris Kucharsky - Brahms, Penderecki & Hindemith: Chamber Works - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

This album presents three highly distinctive, yet complementary masterworks. The foremost of which is Brahms's third Piano quartet Op. 60 - the Werther quartet; it's music unquestionably reflecting the profound emotions of love, despair and overwhelming sorrow which lead to the ultimate demise of the protagonist in Goethe's famed novel. In this unique and fresh, but highly considered interpretation, a new light is shone on one of Brahms's greatest works. Hindemith's moving Viola Sonata Op. 11 No. 4 blends Germanic depth with French tinged colour, it's counterpoint and lyricism showcasing a composer equally adept in complexity and folk-like charm. To conclude the album, Penderecki's Cadenza for solo viola is a sharp stylistic contrast, to the Brahms, yet draws a powerful message as a companion piece; it's exploration of the falling semitone motif covers a vast emotional spectrum with relentless virtuosity, culminating in pained, hoarsely whispered harmonics. Album Tracks 1. Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Op. 60~Allegro non troppo 2. Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Op. 60~Scherzo Allegro 3. Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Op. 60~Andante 4. Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Op. 60~Finale Allegro comodo 5. Sonata for Viola and Piano in F major, Op. 11, No. 4~Fantasie 6. Sonata for Viola and Piano in F major, Op. 11, No. 4~Thema mit Variationen 7. Sonata for Viola and Piano in F major, Op. 11, No. 4~Finale (mit Variationen) 8. Cadenza for solo viola