Bernard Zaslav & Naomi Zaslav - Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert & Others: Works for Viola & Piano (Live) (2019)

Violists like to complain of the paucity of romantic music for their instrument, yet these two discs refute that contention. In addition to the famous two Brahms Sonatas, the discs feature unfamiliar, thoroughly Romantic works, by six of the composer's "friends." All are clearly influenced by Brahms and Schumann; indeed, the absence of the latter's "Märchenbilder" (Fairy Tale Pictures) is conspicuous and inexplicable. In a substantial set of Variations by Joseph Joachim, a lovely theme is transformed and developed in inventively contrasting ways, including a somber contrapuntal piece and a Hungarian semi-improvisation.

Three very Schumannesque "Phantasiestücke" (Fantasy Pieces) by Carl Reinecke, famous mostly for his "Undine" Flute Sonata, include a swooping Romance and a merry Humoresque. Similar in style but technically more brilliant are "Drei Romanzen" (Three Romances) by Friedrich Kiel. Heinrich von Herzogenberg, husband of Brahms's close friend and musical correspondent Elisabeth, contributes three very Brahmsian, melodious, passionate "Legenden" (Legends); Hans Sitt's "Albumblätter" (Album Leaves) display inventive harmonies, spoken phrasing, and effective instrumental writing; the final piece ends in mid-air. Probably the best composer is Robert Fuchs, whose "Sechs Phantasiestücke" (Six Fantasy Pieces) have adventurous harmonies, striking modulations, and strong contrasts of mood and character.

Letting the Brahms Sonatas open the program seems unfair to his "friends," though this can hardly have been the players' intention. Violist Bernard Zaslav and his pianist-wife Naomi are excellent, and they treat the music with total respect and love. The viola tone is beautiful, pure, warm, and expressive; ensemble and balance are first-rate. Their approach is lyrical, broad, expansive, noble, and inward, without external effects. The first Brahms Sonata is wistful, poetic, gracious; the second one smiles with autumnal benevolence. A worthy successor to the Zaslavs' Bloch disc on the same label, this is a splendid recording." (Edith Eisler)

Bernard Zaslav, viola
Naomi Zaslav, piano

Tracklist:
Pietro Nardini
1. Sonata for Viola & Piano in F Minor: I. Allegro moderato (Live)
2. Sonata for Viola & Piano in F Minor: II. Andante (Live)
3. Sonata for Viola & Piano in F Minor: III. Allegretto (Live)

Franz Schubert
4. String Trio in B-Flat Major, D. 471 (Arr. for Viola & Piano) [Live]

Ludwig van Beethoven
5. Notturno in D Major, Op. 42: I. March - Allegro (Live)
6. Notturno in D Major, Op. 42: II. Adagio (Live)
7. Notturno in D Major, Op. 42: III. Minuetto - Allegretto (Live)
8. Notturno in D Major, Op. 42: IV. Adagio - Scherzo. Allegro molto (Live)
9. Notturno in D Major, Op. 42: V. Allegretto alla polacca (Live)
10. Notturno in D Major, Op. 42: VI. Andante quasi allegretto (Live)

Robert Schumann
11. Märchenbilder, Op. 113: No. 1, Nicht schnell (Live)
12. Märchenbilder, Op. 113: No. 2, Lebhaft (Live)
13. Märchenbilder, Op. 113: No. 3, Rasch (Live)
14. Märchenbilder, Op. 113: No. 4, Langsam, mit melancholischem Ausdruck (Live)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
15. Adagio in E Major, K. 261 (Arr. P. Klengel for Viola & Piano) [Live]
16. Rondo in C Major, K. 373 (Arr. for Viola & Piano) [Live]

Max Bruch
17. Romance, Op. 85 (Version for Viola & Piano) [Live]