Music for Viola 1

Hans Gál (1890-1987) wrote extensively for the viola, including several remarkable works dating from the first decade of his new life in Edinburgh, where he took refuge after the Nazis seized power in his native Austria. His poignant Suite Concertante for viola and orchestra - effectively a concerto for the instrument - is joined here by three substantial chamber works, all infused with Gál's trademark lyricism. Hanna Pakkala, the violist in all four works here, is the principal viola of the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra and also plays in the Kokkola String Quartet; and Toccata Classics is delighted to welcome the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra and it's chief conductor, Sakari Oramo, to it's roster of artists.