Maxim Rysanov Plays Martinu

Leading violist Maxim Rysanov and fellow musicians play Bohuslav Martins four later works for viola, all composed during his USA residence (1940-56) and all of which belong to the central 20th c. repertoire for the instrument. The Rhapsody-Concerto (1952) is a lyrical two-movement work characterized by sustained legato writing, sudden changes of mood and texture and vivid orchestration. The technically demanding two Duos for violin and viola follow. The tough, passionate mood of the two-movement Viola Sonata (1955) often recalls the composer's better-known cello sonatas.