Rebecca Clarke: Works for Viola

English composer Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979) is best known for her chamber music compositions, many of which feature the viola. Clarke moved to the United States in 1916, after her father disowned her. The Sonata for Viola and Piano was composed in 1919 when Clarke was 33 years old. It premiered at the Berkshire Music Festival the same year, and was well received. Chester Music published the piece two years later. The Viola Sonata, which is becoming more and more a staple in the violist's repertoire due to it's many obstacles and idiomatic writing, opens with a pentatonic theme, and features thick harmonies, dense, complex rhythmic texture, and an emotionally intense nature that has been compared to the impressionism of Debussy. Diana and Arianna Bonatesta, The Runya Duo sisters, perform with incredible harmony and add a sweetness and femininity to this album. Recorded by Alessandro Simonetto, this album is free from any mastering additions.