Hartmut Höll - Shostakovich: Viola Sonata, Op. 147 - Britten: Lachrymae, Op. 48 - Stravinsky: Élégie (LP)

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of chamber music with Hartmut Höll's exquisite 1991 album, featuring a trio of masterpieces for the viola. Höll, a renowned German violist, showcases his virtuosity and interpretive depth in this intimate and thought-provoking collection.

The album opens with Shostakovich's Viola Sonata in C Major, Op. 147, a profound and introspective work composed in the last year of the composer's life. Höll's sensitive and nuanced performance brings out the sonata's poignant beauty and emotional resonance. The three movements, ranging from the moderate first to the adagio third, offer a journey through Shostakovich's unique musical language.

Next, Höll turns to Britten's Lachrymae, Op. 48, a reflective work that weaves variations on a theme from John Dowland's "Flow My Tears." Britten's evocative composition is a testament to his deep understanding of the viola's expressive capabilities, and Höll's performance captures the essence of each variation with remarkable clarity and emotional depth.

The album concludes with Stravinsky's Elegy for Solo Viola, a haunting and melancholic piece that showcases the viola's lyrical qualities. Höll's interpretation is both technically impressive and deeply moving, providing a fitting conclusion to this remarkable collection.

With a total duration of 51 minutes, this album is a testament to Hartmut Höll's artistry and his ability to bring out the rich and varied textures of the viola. Recorded in 1991 and released under the Warner Classics label, this album is a timeless addition to any classical music lover's collection.