Roger Benedict – principal viola of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra – and pianist Simon Tedeschi present a new studio album reimagining masterpieces by Schubert and Schumann.
It was common practice in the 19th century for composer to publish their music in versions for multiple instruments, increasing their audience and appeal. Taking inspiration from this, Benedict and Tedeschi present a range of works ideally suited to the rich tone of the viola – the ‘melancholy dreamer', as Berlioz described it.
The album opens with Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata, written for a now-obsolete six-string instrument. The sunny virtuosity of the music (increased by playing it on an instrument of four rather than six strings) is tempered by Schubert's trademark aching melancholy.
At the heart of the album sits a suite of movements from Schubert's Winterreise. In Benedict's own words, "this concert suite tells a condensed version of the song cycle's story, expressing all the desperation, false hope and final resignation as its protagonist journeys away from his doomed love affair."
Two works by Robert Schumann, originally for violin and piano, close out the album: an ardent and wistful Intermezzo, and the characterful late Sonata Op.105.
Title: A Winter's Tale
Format: CD
Release Date: 02 Feb 2018
Artist: Roger: Benedict Simon Tedeschi
Sku: 2364551
Catalogue No: 4816751
Category: Classical
DISC 1
FRANZ SCHUBERT 17971818 - Sonata in A minor, D821 'Arpeggione' for viola and piano (Eight Songs from 'Winterreise' Arranged for viola and piano by Roger Benedict)
FRANZ SCHUBERT 17971818 - Gute Nacht (Good Night)
FRANZ SCHUBERT 17971818 - Erstarrung (Numbness)
FRANZ SCHUBERT 17971818 - Auf dem Flusse (On the Stream)
FRANZ SCHUBERT 17971818 - Irrlicht (Will-o'-the-Wisp)
FRANZ SCHUBERT 17971818 - Frühlingstraum (A Dream of Springtime)
FRANZ SCHUBERT 17971818 - Stürmischer Morgen (Stormy Morning)
FRANZ SCHUBERT 17971818 - Täuschung (Deception)
FRANZ SCHUBERT 17971818 - Der Wegweiser (The Signpost)
ROBERT SCHUMANN 18101856 - Intermezzo [from the F.A.E. Sonata] for violin and piano, WoO22 (Arranged for viola and piano by Roger Benedict)
ROBERT SCHUMANN 18101856 - Sonata for piano and violin in A minor, Op. 105 (Arranged for viola and piano by Roger Benedict)
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