- Composer: Varvara Adrianovna Gaigerova (4 October 1903 -- 6 April 1944) - Performers: Eliesha Nelson (viola), Glen Inanga (piano) - Year of recording: 2010 Suite for viola & piano, Op. 8, probably written somewhere between 1920-1944. 00:00 - I. Allegro agitato 02:41 - II. Andantino 05:52 - III. Scherzo: Presto 10:20 - IV. Moderato The Suite for Viola and Piano, Op. 8 by Varvara Adrianovna Gaigerova reflects a very dramatic Russian style in classical music, and on top of that it embodies Soviet and Russian folk idioms. It’s highly chromatic but expressive, and the short movements require an exact character established from the beginning in order to come across musically. Gaigerova was fascinated by the minority nationalities of the Soviet Union, and transcribed songs from groups such as the Uzbek, Tatar, Bashkir, Buryat, Kazakh, and Kirghiz, as well as composing music for orchestras of traditional instruments. Although the movements of the suites do not have names outside the tempo markings, the musical picture painted in each is well suited for a title. - The first movement is marked Allegro agitato, and has the feel of fleeing from desolation. It is highly chromatic with sudden dynamic and subtle tempo changes. - The second movement is an Andantino with a much less tragic character. It feels like a walk in the summer sun with a good friend or loved one. - The third movement is a brisk Scherzo that sounds like hunting music and galloping horses. The Trio interrupts the hunt with a slower, heartfelt interlude. - The fourth movement, Moderato, returns to the desolation of the first movement, this time more resigned to its fate, unable to escape the final tragedy. The Suite was published posthumously in 1969, the composition year is unknown. This passionate, beautiful piece stands very much on its own feet, and is a welcome addition to the relatively few Russian (Shostakovich...) sonata pieces for viola that are played or recorded today.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 10:01:30 +0000
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