Review
''This is a magnificent performance… well recorded by the Naxos engineers with a clear, cool and well balanced sound quality…[a Naxos disc] to be treasured and not just by Bax admirers.'' --MusicWeb International on the Bax Viola Sonata with Outram/Rolton
''[This disc] contains more than enough fine material to lift it well out of the 'specialists only' category….the music adapts beautifully to the subtle range of light and shade [Outram] conjures from his instruments in every context… Rolton, too, is an alert and excellent accompanist throughout.'' --BBC Music Magazine
''A valuable and attractive sequence of British works for viola and piano…well worth investigating.'' --Gramophone
CD Description
The viola repertoire grew hugely during the 20th century, due in no small part to the pioneering efforts of the great soloist Lionel Tertis, whose own performing part for his viola transcription of Ireland's Cello Sonata was consulted for this recording. The transcription of Delius's masterful Cello Sonata was made by the present violist, Martin Outram. Gordon Jacob's special affection for the viola shines through in his melodious sonata, while Malcolm Arnold's Viola Sonata is quirky and highly original, and Lennox Berkeley's Viola Sonata achieves a brilliant and witty finale.