Tabea Zimmermann, violist
Tabea Zimmermann’s viola sound is extraordinarily beautiful, dark, and so musical. Her performance in either concertos or chamber music is defined by total precision, and her phrasing has a touching warmth. In this recording she also has an exceptional musician as a partner, pianist Kirill Gerstein
Let me begin with a few selections from my Spotify file called “Hank’s Tabea”
This CD has the following selections for us:
Rebecca Clarke:
1. Sonata for Viola & Piano, 1919: I. Impetuoso – poco agitato
2. Sonata for Viola & Piano, 1919: II. Vivace
3. Sonata for Viola & Piano, 1919: III. Adagio – Allegro
Henri Vieuxtemps:
4. Sonata for Viola & Piano in B-Flat Major, Op. 36: I. Maestoso – Allegro
5. Sonata for Viola & Piano in B-Flat Major, Op. 36: II. Barcarolla
6. Sonata for Viola & Piano in B-Flat Major, Op. 36: III. Finale Scherzando
Johannes Brahms:
7. Sonata for Viola & Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 120/2: I. Allegro amabile
8. Sonata for Viola & Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 120/2: II. Allegro appassionato
9. Sonata for Viola & Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 120/2: III. Andante con moto
Here is a video of Ms. Zimmermann in a section of the Bela Bartok Viola Concerto. Observe how effortlessly her instrument sings for us, and see the total control that she has over her instrument!
And next, here she is with Kirill Gerstein in a video where there’s some fascinating talk in german about the recording rehearsals for this CD. Be patient, and you’ll get some of the music, too:
Tags: Tabea Zimmermann, Kirill Gerstein, Brahms, Henri Vieuxtemps, Rebecca Clarke