X-ray: Three Viola Sonatas

The three viola sonatas on this album were written between November 1924 and March 1925. They showcase Julius Röntgen at the height of his powers. His friendly respect for the great North German and Viennese masters has clearly influenced his creative thinking, and he confidently employs a wide variety of techniques. Röntgen possesses an in-depth knowledge of the instruments—he is an outstanding pianist himself, and the piano part is highly demanding. The viola part skillfully exploits the advantages of the instrument without ever overtaxing it. Violist Herbert Kefer graduated with distinction from the University of Music in Vienna. In 1980, he founded the Artis Quartet together with three colleagues. The quartet has made more than thirty recordings, some of which have been awarded the Grand Prix du Disque and the Diapason d'Or. In 1991, Herbert Kefer was appointed Principal Viola at the University of Music in Graz/Institution Oberschützen. Energy, expression, and emotion characterize the playing of the leading Austrian pianist Markus Schirmer. He has won numerous prizes and awards and has taken major concert halls and festivals by storm. He has collaborated with many renowned orchestras, and chamber music plays an important role in his work.