Rebecca CLARKE; MARTINU
Viola Sonatas,
REGER
Viola suites Op. 131d
Vladimir Bukac (viola) Jaromir
Klepac (piano)
Wallace Collection, London. 9 July 2000
Calliope CAL 9285
(72.10)
Calliope
Vladimir Bukac has been a member of the renowned Talich Quartet for
some years, first as second violin, now playing the viola. Enjoyed live recently
at The Wallace Collection
[S&H
July 00] he has an easy manner and produces warm tone, which
is well captured here.
The Martinu sonata is rarely heard and a good reason to purchase this CD
- listed as No.1 (1955) but it appears to have had no sequel. In two free
and rhapsodic movements, it was written in New York and has some affinities
with Copland's music. It looks also to the composer's national roots, which
he never forsook, and is a welcome addition to the Martinu discography. This
is quite a Martinu year; his reputation appears to be on the increase, with
the successful belated premiere of his Greek Passion opera in its original
version, now released also on CD.
The English viola player and composer Rebecca Clarke's 1919 sonata (entered
under a male pseudonym for a Sprague Coolidge competition and beaten to the
post by Bloch) is forceful and accomplished, and has become a favourite with
viola players.
Reger's three suites (1914-16) are typical of his 'neo-Baroque' manner and
an obvious tribute to Bach.
Well partnered by Jaromir Klepac and clearly recorded in a studio, which
is a little dry, this is a desirable CD, bringing together interesting
repertoire. A solo viola recital by Vladimir Bukac, representing his 'farewell
to the violin', is due for release later in the summer.
Reviewer
Peter Grahame Woolf
