Roger Benedict – principal viola of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra – and pianist Simon Tedeschi present a new studio album reimagining masterpieces by Schubert and Schumann. It was common practice in the 19th century for composer to publish their music in versions for multiple instruments, increasing their audience and appeal. Taking inspiration from this, Benedict and Tedeschi present a range of works ideally suited to the rich tone of the viola – the ‘melancholy dreamer’, as Berlioz described it.

The album opens with Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata, written for a now-obsolete six-string instrument. The sunny virtuosity of the music (increased by playing it on an instrument of four rather than six strings) is tempered by Schubert’s trademark aching melancholy. At the heart of the album sits a suite of movements from Schubert’s Winterreise. In Benedict’s own words, “this concert suite tells a condensed version of the song cycle’s story, expressing all the desperation, false hope and final resignation as its protagonist journeys away from his doomed love affair.” Two works by Robert Schumann, originally for violin and piano, close out the album: an ardent and wistful Intermezzo, and the characterful late Sonata Op.105.

Physical CD - for downloads and streams visit ABC Music: https://snd.click/DebussyRavel

Following on from their highly successful disc ‘A Winter’s Tale’, viola virtuoso Roger Benedict and renowned pianist Simon Tedeschi present a new studio album reimagining masterpieces by Debussy and Ravel for the rich, mellow tone of the viola – the ‘melancholy dreamer’, as Berlioz described it. With its wistful sound, the viola gives a new and fresh character to these pieces, which, even now, seem radical in their conception.

The album opens with Benedict’s arrangements of four of Debussy’s evocative Préludes, and closes with the composer’s kaleidoscopic Cello Sonata. In between, we hear viola arrangements of Ravel’s lyrical Violin Sonata – a youthful work, left unpublished at his death – as well as his sensual Piece in the form of a Habanera and the soulful, melancholy Kaddisch, with the viola singing the hauntingly beautiful melodic line. The album also features Ravel’s radiant Sonatine in its original version for solo piano.

Two composers who were born in the right place at the wrong time... Just as both musicians were reaching creative maturity they were forced into exile from Nazi Germany.

Music for Viola and Piano by Kœchlin & Jongen, played by outstanding musicians Roger Benedict, Timothy Young and guest artist Ben Jacks.