Originally Posted by
Exophile
Hi James,
Cudos that you know about VdA, and even have an opinion. Very rare, indeed!
If you want listen to some VdA recordings, give Tom Georgi a try. His "Many strings attached" is available for free download (CD is out of print). His three Ariosti CDs on BIS are worth every penny. He also a nice guy and exquisite teacher. Then also Marianne Rônez' CDs, particularly her new one accompanying her Göttweig ms edition (fun to play as well). She's also a great person and extraordinarily knowledgeable. If you like to go for something out of the ordinary, try Tilo Hirsch's Tromba Marina recordings. He's from the Basel Schola Cantorum. Whacky stuff out of left field. Gamba consorts are certainly high on my list, lots to choose from.
Then there are the baroque "Kleinmeister" such as Erlenbach and Schütz, overlooked but refreshing after standard Telemann and Bach. I also like to play Süss, currently working on some Guilliani, and Anonymous is versatile and often surprisingly good.
Its a beautiful sounding instrument and I believe key in a lot of baroque and early music. I love the tone of the Viola as it has more depth and woody timbre than a violin which i find can be a bit screechy. My partner particularly likes the cello and is forever asking me to find cello recordings. Last Christmas we heard 15 cellists playing an unusual concert in a church back here in Birmingham England.
I will look into your recommendations Daniel, thank you.
Main system : VPI Scout 1.1 / JMW 9T / 2M Black / Croft 25R+ / Croft 7 / Heco Celan GT 702
Second System : Goldring Lenco GL75 / AT95EX / Pioneer SX590 / Spendor SP2