For the second time, the Berliner Philharmoniker Recordings label is releasing a digital album featuring an orchestra member as a solo artist: Our Principal Viola Amiha Grosz performs William Walton’s Viola Concerto conducted by Sir Simon Rattle and Bohuslav Martinů’s Rhapsody Concerto, conducted by Matthias Pintscher. The recordings were made in October 2017 (Walton) and February 2023 (Martinů) at the Philharmonie Berlin.
Although they are rarely heard in concert, both works are true discoveries. According to Amihai Grosz, William Walton had a sure feel for the character of the viola, even if he was not very familiar with the instrument. “The piece, with its lyrical melodies, has a melancholy character that suits the viola perfectly, I believe,” explains Grosz. Bohuslav Martinů also draws on the song-like, mournful side of the viola in his Rhapsody Concerto, but not exclusively, as Amihai Grosz says: “This music is so original and unusual. It’s eclectic in a delightful way, with neoclassical influences, but also elements of jazz.”
The digital album with Amihai Grosz will be available from 27 September 2024 as a download from Berliner Philharmoniker Recordings and all major digital music providers. A digital album with first concertmaster Noah Bendix-Balgley was previously released as part of the soloist series launched by our label Berliner Philharmoniker Recordings to mark its 10th anniversary.