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J S Bach
Transcriptions for unaccompanied viola    

A rare chance to hear two of the greatest works for solo violin played on the viola, coupled with a transcription of the the sixth cello suite. Robin Ireland has chosen to play pieces that he believes are particularly suited to the viola, which brings new warmth and depth of sonority to the violin works and a lightness to the translucent sixth suite.

Excerpts can be downloaded from Quartz



Robin Ireland
Pairings I, II, III
Quartet No 1: Fantasia on Sheffield    

Robin's three Duos for violin and viola, two violas, and violin and cello, explore the possibilities of each combination, often in virtuosic style, and the pieces are both expressive and accessible.

His string quartet Fantasia on Sheffield was commisioned by the University of Sheffield to celebrate the University's centenary. It is performed by the Lindsays.

A  sample can be heard on the Meridian website.



The Bat Detector
A venture in poetry and music. 

Fifteen short musical tone poems for solo viola inspired by poems from Liz Barrett's collection The Bat Detector.  Liz is a nationally acclaimed poet living in Sheffield. The poems and music alternate.

The first sequence of poems uses the metaphor of detecting bats to explore the communication within a family with an autistic child. The music seeks to capture the inner world of the boy, as well as to express the emotions in the poems, from distress to redemption. The signature piece is an atmospheric depiction of bats in flight.

The second sequence, Magnolia, is a series of love poems, providing inspiration for music which encompasses passion, exoticism, desolation and all the trappings of romanticism.


Prokofiev
Six Pieces from 'Romeo and Juliet'
Shostakovich
Preludes
Viola Sonata

This CD of Russian music brings together Prokofiev's extraordinary depiction of young romantic love with Shostakovich's deeply touching musical farewell, written during his final illness. The character of the viola provides a compelling voice for both.

The title of Shostakovich's 'Preludes' does little to prepare one for the enchanting nature of these pieces, which are miniature masterpieces of character.


To purchase the above CDs please contact Robin.


The Lindsays

While with The Lindsays, Robin recorded many CDs including the following:


Robin features in an Opus Arte 2 DVD set Haydn String Quartets: The Lindsays