JAVS Spring 2024

Sonata Forum No. 3: A Century of American Viola Sonatas 2024: TOCN 0025 EAN/UPC: 5060640070264

Basil Vendryes, viola William David, piano https://toccataclassics.com/

On Sonata Forum No. 3: A Century of American Viola Sonatas , the third installment of his recent large-scale recording project, violist Basil Vendryes and pianist William David gift their listeners with nearly a hundred years of commanding and expressive viola sonatas by American composers. This CD begins with three debut recordings: Sonatine for Viola and Piano and Viola Sonata by Ulysses Kay, and Viola Sonata by David Tcimpidis. These dynamic and moving compositions are well worth the price of the disc, and I hope this recording helps these works find a footing within our standard repertoire. The viola sonatas by Libby Larson and Eric Ewazen round out this recording, both of which are performed with extreme emotional depth and rhythmic vitality. For me, the highlight of this album is the interplay that Vendryes and David exhibit throughout this disc, providing a masterclass in string and piano chamber music for the listener to enjoy.

Shubho Lhaw Qolo, for Viola and Orchestra Sami Seif, Composer Stanley Konopka, viola Cleveland Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUpbnlmImd8

In the video for the viola and orchestra work Shubho Lhaw Qolo, by Lebanese composer Sami Seif, violist Stanley Konopka uses his gorgeous tone and impeccable sense of time to adeptly handle the soaringly melodic lines of this

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 40, No. 1, Spring 2024

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