German composer Walter Braunfels built a considerable reputation before the 1930s as composer, pianist and teacher. Since his death in 1954 his operas have been heard again, and Dutton Epoch now presents world premiere recordings of two remarkable concertos, for piano and viola. These are considerable discoveries: the Piano Concerto, Op.21, first performed in 1911, is notable for its sweeping cantilenas, vivid expression and orchestral colour. Victor Sangiorgio is authoritative in the demanding solo part. Over twenty years later came the Schottische Phantasie for Viola & Orchestra, Op.47, a large-scale viola concerto eloquently played by Sarah-Jane Bradley. The programme is completed by the Shakespeare-inspired miniature tone poem Ariels Gesang, Op.18.

Mit deutschem Begleittext

Piano Concerto op.21 (1910-11) VS
Ariels Gesang op.18 (1910) (after Shakespeare's The Tempest')
Schottische Phantasie for Viola & Orchestra op.47 (1932-33) SJB

BBC Concert Orchestra
Johannes Wildner (conductor)

VS Victor Sangiorgio (piano)
SJB Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola)

* World premiere recording

Recorded at Watford Colosseum, 15-17 April 2013

"The present coupling, a typically audacious offering from one of our most adventurous labels, will delight readers attracted by expertly crafted late-Romantic fare ..."

"A pleasure, ... to re-encounter the artistry of Sarah-Jane Bradley"

David Gutman, Gramophone, June 2014