Badings / Zemtsov / Kuwahara - Dutch Hidden Gems [CD]

This program is a wonderful little treasure chest overflowing with musical gems for the viola, all composed in Holland in the twentieth century. Even more delightful is the thought that these pieces and their four composers abide in the twilight of Dutch musical life and seldom if ever come to the attention of soloists and orchestras. They spotlight a beautiful solo instrument - the viola - which is not exactly seen as the prima donna of the podium, and which usually occupies a modest place as a middle voice in the orchestra or string quartet. This is the first recording of the Concertino for viola and orchestra of Jan Koetsier.