W.A. MOZART & M. HAYDN

Duo Sonatas

W.A. Mozart

Duo for violin and viola in G major KV – 423

M. Haydn

Duo for violin and viola No. 1 in C major MH 335 (P127)

W.A. Mozart

Duo for violin and viola in B flat major KV 424

M. Haydn

Duo for violin and viola No. 2 in D major MH 336 (P128)

W.A. Mozart

Menuetto (from 12 Duos for Horn - KV 487)

Rachel Podger, violin

Jane Rogers, viola

The Duos for Violin and Viola by Mozart have long been favourite pieces of ours – pieces we'd take out and play when there wasn't a keyboard player or cellist to hand, or busk as teenagers to earn extra pocket money. Back then, the audience's response clearly indicated how appealing these pieces were as our takings always doubled when we played them! These works never cease to amaze – Mozart uses the two instruments so effectively and with such exquisite craftsmanship that he never leaves one wondering where the rest of the string quartet might have gone….They are also hugely engaging to play and so endlessly rich and interesting that the appeal to the listener is guaranteed.

Mozart's reference to other genres is always fascinating. In this case the writing is dramatic, operatic even (the violin taking the role as soprano diva (!) and the viola as the heroic tenor?!). One could perhaps go as far to say that these duos are distillations of the art of chamber music as in the Haydn quartets, but more naturally recreational and less self-conscious. For a violist they are about as exposed as you can be; hitherto very few sonatas or concerti had been written for solo viola - and the accompaniment would seldom have been as scant as a single violin. The conversational and imitative nature of the writing allows for freedom and characterization, and it was refreshing and rewarding to be as spontaneous as possible in the recording sessions.

It was also a diverting and enjoyable experience to record two of the Michael Haydn duos, previously unknown to us both. The character of these pieces is often reminiscent of Austrian folk music and it really

seems as if you can hear the yodelling vernacular bouncing off the mountains in timely echoes. The challenges in these works are quite different to those of his friend Wolfgang – the demands placed on the

violinist are obvious as the writing is busy, yet in need of a casual fluidity, whereas the violist has the task of being constantly inventive with material which is largely accompanimental (melody and bass, in effect). Who knows? Maybe Wolfgang and Michael tried these out during Mozart's visit to Salzburg when he helped his friend complete a set of six Sonatas in 1783.

Recent Rachel Podger quotes:

(…) a pleasure from first note to last. Highest recommendation. Classics Today 10/10

(…) Immensely enjoyable disc (…) International Record Review

(...) a splendid supporting group whose playing is extremely stylish and well balanced (...) Gramophone

(...) formidable technique and musicianship. (...) BBC Music Magazine

(...) The dynamism and insight this artist and group create is simply breathtaking. (...) Hi-Fi

Hybrid SACD CCSSA32411