Soviet Russian Viola Music
KRYUKOV, V. / VASILENKO, S. / FRID, G. / KREIN, Y. / BOGDANOV-BEREZOVSKY

Kryukov: Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op.15 (To Vadim Borisovsky)
Vasilenko: Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op.46 (To Vadim Borisovsky)
Frid: Sonata for Viola, Op.62, No.1 (To Fedor Druzhinin)
Krein: Sonata for Viola and Piano (To Galina Kalacheva)
Bogdanov-Berezovsky: Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op.44 (To Yuri Kramarov)

Igor Fedotov (viola) with G. Hammond & L. Vechkhayzer (piano)

Naxos 8.572247

Repertoire has been a problem for violists (Eniko Magyar, in recent recital and CD, relied heavily on arrangements) but here, at a stroke, is a whole unknown range to explore.

These substantial sonatas are each and every one interesting and recital-worthy. Fully documented with biographies, this is one to catch - & not just to download !

Fedotov is a superb, rich-toned player. This dsc was recorded in St Petersburg and Michigan (where the university students are fortunate to have him coach string chamber music).

Recommended with enthusiasm; a must for violists. Only £4.25 from europadisc !

Peter Grahame Woolf