Sonatas Violin / Viola & Guitar

Ferdinand Rebay was born in Vienna where he studied piano and composition, winning the Brahms Prize. He wrote operas, a symphony, concertos and many songs, but was increasingly drawn to writing for the guitar for which he wrote 600 pieces of various kinds. The three sonatas recorded here are little known and reflect Rebay's immersion in Romantic neo-Classicism. Themes are lyrical, utilizing folk song, energetic March themes and variations, with a tapestry of emotions both sombre and exuberant. Laurence Kayaleh has recorded the complete works for violin and piano by Medtner, Honegger and Catoire for Naxos. Her Catoire recording (8.573345) was selected in Fanfare's 'Want List' for 2016: 'The brilliant performance by violinist Laurence Kayaleh and pianist Stéphane Lemelinis lively and it's sound is clear, clean and pleasantly warm.' Guitarist Michael Kolk has performed at music festivals and concert halls throughout Europe and North America. A prizewinner at numerous guitar competitions, he has released four solo albums to date, as well as three releases as part of the HK Guitar Duo, and an album of Mauro Giulianiduos with Jeffrey McFadden (8.572445).