Paul Hindemith: The Complete Viola Music, Vol. 3 (2011)
Lawrence Power, viola; BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra; David Atherton, conductor
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 306 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 168 Mb | Artwork included
Genre: Classical | Label: Hyperion | # CDA67774 | Time: 01:12:52
Lawrence Power, viola; BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra; David Atherton, conductor
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 306 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 168 Mb | Artwork included
Genre: Classical | Label: Hyperion | # CDA67774 | Time: 01:12:52
Vol. 3 of Lawrence Power's survey of the complete Hindemith work for viola features a cluster of works written for viola and orchestra in the short time between 1927 and 1930. Though Hindemith did not write a traditional concerto in the classical sense, the Op. 48 Konzertmusik, Kammermusik No. 5, and Der Schwanendreher each put the viola's abilities at the forefront of the orchestra. His personal knowledge of the instrument's technical, lyrical, and emotive abilities become quickly apparent as the viola is made to scurry around as nimbly as a violin in Konzertmusik, as emotionally rich as a cello in Trauermusik, or as colorful and evocative as a piano in Der Schwanendreher. All of these many moods are captured effortlessly by Power. His playing balances the clarity needed to execute agile passagework with the richness and depth needed for more lyrical sections. What's more, Power never gives the appearance of trying to make the viola sound like a violin; instead, he celebrates the viola's idiosyncrasies and transforms them into a rich, satisfying tapestry of sound. Joined by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under David Atherton, Vol. 3 of Power's hefty undertaking is just as worthwhile and engaging as the previous two and is certainly worth checking out.