Kim Kashkashian’s Viola
In my next life, I will learn to play the Viola! I love the deep, dark sound of this instrument, and there are a goodly number of fine masterworks written for this instrument. Violist Kim Kashkashian has been on the concertizing and recording scene for many years. We have heard her recording of the Brahms sonatas for viola and piano, (with Robert Levin) and also works that are less well known.
For this recording, called “Neharót”, she draws from the compositions of four composers: Betty Olivero (Israel), Tigran Mansurian (Armenia), Komitas (Armenia) and Eitan Steinberg (Israel). The works offered on this CD draw not only from the classical tradition, but also from other, age-old sources such as Armenian chants, and Jewish Hassidic melodies. Ms. Kashkashian interprets these melodies in a deep, heart-felt way. She really “sings” these pieces through her viola, and it is a pleasure to experience them.
I’ve enjoyed Kim Kashkashian’s work for years; and with each new recording, I look forward to hearing some music I’ve never heard before, yet music performed with warmth, sensitivity, delicacy and fine phrasing.
In the audio/video clip below, you can hear Ms. Kashkashian perform the wonderful Dvorak Piano Quintet with Emanuel Ax, Mischa Maisky, Joshua Bell, and M. Contzen.