Albany Records: The American Viola

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An invaluable collection of new and rediscovered American works for viola.

The spirit of exploring new, and newly rediscovered, music is fully captured in this recording of American music for viola. The music ranges from the late 19th Century to today, yet it shares a common theme: a flowing lyricism that expresses the viola's rich vocal character. Of special interest is the first known American composition for viola (Benjamin Cutter); and the first composition for viola by an American woman (Blanche Blood). Violist Andrea Houde has performed as soloist, chamber musician, and in orchestras in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. A graduate of the University of Memphis and the Peabody Conservatory, Ms. Houde is on the faculty at West Virginia University and the artist faculty of the Interlochen Arts Camp. Her colleague, pianist Sun Jung Lee is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory, the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston, and West Virginia University. In addition to her performing career, she serves as staff accompanist at West Virginia University.

Blanche Blood, composer
Barcarolle
Andrea Houde (viola); Sun Jung Lee (piano)

Benjamin Cutter, composer
Eine Liebes-Novelle: 5 Bagatellen für Viola und Pianoforte, op. 20
Andrea Houde (viola); Sun Jung Lee (piano)

Walter Piston, composer
Interlude for Viola and Piano
Andrea Houde (viola); Sun Jung Lee (piano)

Edna Frida Pietsch, composer
Andante Cantabile
Andrea Houde (viola); Sun Jung Lee (piano)

Julia Klumpkey, composer
Lullaby
Andrea Houde (viola); Sun Jung Lee (piano)

C.E. Jones, composer
Concerto for Viola, "Monongahela"
Andrea Houde (viola); Sun Jung Lee (piano)

Review:

"The great value in this release is that all of these works and these composers except for Walter Piston were previously unknown to me and all are pleasing…" (American Record Guide)

An invaluable collection of new and rediscovered American works for viola.

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