Johanna Senfter Viola Sonatas etc.

[Alan Howe]

...forthcoming from Hänssler:
https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/johanna-senfter-saemtliche-werke-fuer-viola-klavier/hnum/11161411

Featuring Oliver Triendl!

[Alan Howe]

I want to like this CD, but the music strikes me as very Regerian:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9454369--johanna-senfter-complete-works-for-viola-and-piano

What do others think overall? I like the sound of the slow movements, but...

[eschiss1]

To me, potentially a recommendation - and not surprising given her teacher...

[Alan Howe]

I may still buy it! I like a good work-out!

[Alan Howe]

...and I have now bought it! And it is a tough work-out because this is very clearly music by a student of Reger with its tendency to constant, restless modulation and heavy chromaticism. This definitely not music you can 'just listen to' - it demands your attention. Is it worth it? I'll let you know...

Once again, we have pianist Oliver Triendl to thank for taking on this repertoire - and also distinguished violist Roland Glassl. To my ears they make as good a job of this unfamiliar music as it is possible to imagine.

[Alan Howe]

Here's a fair review:
https://musicwebinternational.com/2023/03/senfter-complete-works-for-viola-piano-hanssler-classic/

[Mark Thomas]

My tolerance of heavy, extended chromaticism lessens by the day, so this is probably a recording I'll avoid. My loss, I'm sure.

[Alan Howe]

It's one of those recordings I felt obliged to buy - just to find out more about the composer. I also rather like viola sonatas!