Prokofiev, Six pieces from Romeo & Juliet

Shostakovich, Preludes, Violin Sonata
Robin Ireland, Viola. Tim Horton, Piano

This CD of Russian music brings together Prokofiev’s extraordinary musical 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. Who would have thought that Prokofiev’s huge orchestral score could find such convincing expression in a version for viola and piano? What is lost in orchestral colour is gained through the personal voice of warmth that the viola brings to this much loved music. The piano writing is also superb, and must surely have been influenced by Prokofiev’s own version for solo piano, made in 1937.

Robin Ireland is well known as the violist of the Lindsay String Quartet, with whom he played for more than twenty years. He now plays with the Primrose Piano Quartet, the Anton Stadler trio and as a Duo with pianist Tim Horton.