Grigori Frid, a celebrated Russian composer, is also a painter with exhibitions in diverse countries, and an author of several books. Today, aged 96, he continues an active lifestyle, leading a Muscovite music club he formed back in the 1960s. The Viola Sonata was written for F. Druzhinin, violist of the Beethoven String Quartet. Curiously, Druzhinin played Frid's Sonata for Shostakovich, who got very interested in its sonority - it may well have played an influencing role in the creation of Shostakovich's own Viola Sonata two months later. Frid's Viola Sonata is a multi-faceted piece. The entire 1st movement is played with a mute (it was conceived for the viola d'amore, a baroque period instrument). It is followed by a turbulent 2nd movement and a meditative philosophical 3rd movement. Frid was not immune from the artistic restrictions of the Soviet officialdom, which makes his ability to speak with his own voice all the more remarkable. Regardless of its musical language, this music breathes with sincerity and human warmth. Aware of Mr. Frid's intention to listen to the broadcast of today's performance of his Viola Sonata, we perceive it as our small tribute to him.Viacheslav Dinerchtein
Classical Music | Music for Viola
Grigory Frid
Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op.62, No.1 Play
Recorded on 04/04/2012, uploaded on 08/21/2012
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
Grigori Frid, a celebrated Russian composer, is also a painter with exhibitions in diverse countries, and an author of several books. Today, aged 96, he continues an active lifestyle, leading a Muscovite music club he formed back in the 1960s. The Viola Sonata was written for F. Druzhinin, violist of the Beethoven String Quartet. Curiously, Druzhinin played Frid's Sonata for Shostakovich, who got very interested in its sonority - it may well have played an influencing role in the creation of Shostakovich's own Viola Sonata two months later. Frid's Viola Sonata is a multi-faceted piece. The entire 1st movement is played with a mute (it was conceived for the viola d'amore, a baroque period instrument). It is followed by a turbulent 2nd movement and a meditative philosophical 3rd movement. Frid was not immune from the artistic restrictions of the Soviet officialdom, which makes his ability to speak with his own voice all the more remarkable. Regardless of its musical language, this music breathes with sincerity and human warmth. Aware of Mr. Frid's intention to listen to the broadcast of today's performance of his Viola Sonata, we perceive it as our small tribute to him. Viacheslav Dinerchtein
Performances by same musician(s)
Kol Nidrei, Op. 47
Pavane pour une infante défunte
Adagio and Allegro for Viola and Piano, Op. 70
Suite for Viola and Piano
Sonata for Viola and Piano, H. 28
Five Old French Dances
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