Czech Viola Sonatas / České violové sonáty - Martinů, Husa, Kalabis, Feld - CD

This classical music CD presents Czech viola sonatas by Bohuslav Martinů, Karel Husa, Viktor Kalabis and Jindřich Feld, performed by violist Kristina Fialová and pianist Igor Ardašev. Martinů’s Sonata for Viola and Piano, composed in 1955, reflects the composer’s longing for his native Vysočina region. Karel Husa wrote his Suite for Viola and Piano in 1945, before emigrating; he later received the Pulitzer Prize and became one of the most frequently performed contemporary Czech composers internationally. The works by Husa, Kalabis and Feld are largely unknown, with two recorded here for the first time. Feld’s 1955 Sonata shares Martinů’s year of composition and wistful mood, while Kalabis’s work dates from 1997. Fialová’s developing career includes prizes in international competitions, a debut at Tonhalle Zürich and appearances at major international festivals. She is joined by the experienced pianist Igor Ardašev, a laureate of the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow and the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels. The recording offers an exploratory view of Czech modernism through the warm, dark tones of the viola.