This album is comprised of five virtuosic viola pieces that explore some of the many varied aspects of American music. All the composers are American with one exception: Russian Nikolai Kapustin, included because he incorporates American jazz elements in his music. The other composers featured are: GRAMMYr award-winning conductor, composer, pianist and violinist, John McLaughlin Williams, conductor on several recordings for the Naxos "American Classics" series, African-American composer and concert pianist George Walker, composer Ross Lee Finney, whose second viola sonata (1953, rev. 1955) implements the 12- tone technique, and Washington, DC based composer Jeffery Mumford, whose piece, "Wending," is a musical portrait and celebration of violist Wendy Richman. GRAMMYr nominated violist Eliesha Nelson has a passion for performing and promoting music of neglected composers who have created masterworks for the viola. She has been critically acclaimed in international publications for her outstanding interpretive abilities. She is a marvelous player... a ravishing violist..."

Tracklist:

Viola Sonata, Op. 69: I. Allegro
Viola Sonata, Op. 69: II. Largo
Viola Sonata, Op. 69: III. Vivace
2 Pieces For Viola: No. 1. Sarabande
2 Pieces For Viola: No. 2. Toccata
Viola Sonata No. 2: I. Andante Teneramente - Allegro Animato
Viola Sonata No. 2: II. Permutations
Viola Sonata No. 2: III. Largo Teneramente
Viola Sonata No. 2: IV. Allegro Con Moto - Misterioso
Wending
Viola Sonata: I. Eighth Note = 63
Viola Sonata: II. Quarter Note = 66

UPC: 053479218629
Label: Sono Luminus
Release Date: 2.24.15
Format: CD

Kapustin / Eliesha Nelson - Permutations (CD)