Ursula Sarnthein - Nicht Ganz Allein: Works For Solo Viola (2021) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Bach's Chaconne and folk music from Denmark?
 Biber's Passacaglia and a Swiss Scottish? And all that for solo viola? When the first Lockdown began in March 2020, one of my first thoughts was: finally enough time to practice Bach's Chaconne on the viola!


When I started, I didn't know exactly where this journey would lead. Gradually, the idea developed to record music that has crossed my musical path as a violinist and violist and touched me - and which I can play alone on the viola. I have been touched by very different pieces from very different times and styles - here they meet.

Some of the pieces on the album are linked to musicians who have crossed my path; this is also where the seemingly random compilation of folk music from Romania, Denmark and Switzerland comes from.


The result is a wide-ranging collection, from baroque music to old and new folk music from three countries to the music of the Swiss composer Armin Schibler from the years 1947-1950, which was previously unknown to me.


At first glance, the pieces do not appear to fit together in the classical sense, but in fact there are strong connections to be discovered alongside the obvious contrasts.

"Far from alone"

I am far from alone when I immerse myself in the music alone in front of the music stand and try to understand the composer. Far from alone is how I feel when I stand alone on stage in concert and play for my audience. Far from alone is also the title of the piece by Noldi Alder - and last but not least, I have hidden a piece in the programme that I actually don't play alone: In Cântec de dor, Lisa Harringer plays the second viola. Besides, when I listen to music alone, I don't feel alone.

Tracklist:
1. Rosenkranz Sonatas: Passacaglia in G Minor For Solo Violin, C. 105 (Arr. for Viola) (08:03)
2. Partita No. 2 For Violin Solo, BWV 1004: V. Chaconne (Arr. for Viola) (14:03)
3. Peder Gyes (03:11)
4. Dronningens Contillion (01:23)
5. Rumlekvadrillen (02:11)
6. Vor der Alphütte. Two "Zäuerli" From Appenzell (01:34)
7. Nicht ganz allein! Eine Polka. (Arr. for Viola) (02:41)
8. Schottisch (Arr. for Viola) (01:03)
9. Etude No. 5 in G Major, "Variazioni" (06:36)
10. A Frunzei (Arr. for Viola) (02:15)
11. Tanz (01:10)
12. Cântec de Dor/Brau (03:11)
13. Little Concerto For Solo Viola: I. Elegie (03:41)
14. Little Concerto For Solo Viola: II. Capriccio (03:49)
15. Little Concerto For Solo Viola: III. Tanz (03:16)


Thanks to the Original customer!