Immerse yourself in the late romantic mastery of Johannes Brahms with this exquisite collection of chamber works, released on Hyperion in 2007. This album showcases Brahms' profound understanding of the viola, featuring his two sonatas for the instrument, Op. 120 Nos. 1 and 2, along with the enchanting Trio for Viola, Cello, and Piano in A Minor, Op. 114. The sonatas, composed in the final years of Brahms' life, reveal a composer at the height of his powers, exploring intimate and heroic themes with equal finesse. The Sonata in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1, opens with an impassioned Allegro, while the Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2, offers a more mellow and intimate atmosphere, with its central scherzo providing a concentrated burst of heroic passion. The Op. 114 trio, described as 'melodious and winning,' complements the sonatas beautifully, demonstrating Brahms' gift for creating rich, interwoven textures. With a total duration of just over an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to Brahms' chamber music, performed with sensitivity and virtuosity.
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