Lawrence Power - Rubbra & Walton: Viola Concertos (LP)

Dive into the rich, evocative world of viola concertos with Lawrence Power's captivating album, "Rubbra & Walton: Viola Concertos." This exquisite collection, released in 2007 on the esteemed Hyperion label, features Lawrence Power, renowned for his musical eloquence and technical brilliance, alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Ilan Volkov.

The album showcases two significant works: Edmund Rubbra's Viola Concerto in A Major, Op. 75, and William Walton's Viola Concerto, both performed with the original orchestrations that highlight the depth and complexity of these compositions. The Rubbra concerto, with its introspective solo lines and restrained accompaniments, offers a profound listening experience, while Walton's concerto, in its original version, delivers a powerful and vivid musical journey.

In addition to these concertos, the album includes "Meditations on a Byzantine Hymn, Op. 117," a solo viola piece by Rubbra that adds a contemplative dimension to the collection. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Power's expressive playing bringing out the nuanced beauty of each piece.

Recorded in City Hall, Glasgow, the album captures the acoustic richness of the venue, enhancing the overall listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or new to the genre, this album offers a compelling exploration of the viola's expressive range and the masterful compositions that showcase its potential.