"Tabea Zimmermann is one of the greatest players of our time (on any instrument)." -- The Observer
"In every single bar of the recording, Tabea Zimmermann convinces the listener with her polished and naturally-agravic interpretation. Every phrase is filled with meaning and opens or closes a musical flow. Discipline and freedom, dancelike rhythm and improvisatory gesture seem to balance themselves effortlessly." -- Bayern 4 Radio (Germany)
Cover Sticker: Gramophone Editor's Choice! After more than 30 CDs released through EMI, Teldec, and Deutsche Grammophon, Tabea Zimmermann's huge musical range is clearly evident. This is her first solo album, and her debut for Myrios Classics. Interwoven with three rarely heard suites by Max Reger, Zimmermann offers transcriptions of two Bach cello suites. Upcoming 2010 US tour with the Arcanto Quartet.
Tabea Zimmermann spielt den Bach wie Reger mit beeindruckend tiefsinnigem Gespür selbst für die kleinsten musikalischen Gedanken. Ihr Bratschenton scheint an Ausdruckskraft keine Grenzen zu kennen. Ich bin froh, mit so einer überzeugenden Sprache die mir bisher unbekannten Regerstücke kennengelernt zu haben, zumal Reger sich ja in der Tradition Bachs sieht und sich die wechselnde Zusammenstellung der beiden Komponisten sinnvoll gestaltet. Die Aufnahmetechnik trägt ihr übriges dazu bei: man hört einen (natürlichen) Raumklang im Hintergrund, das Instrument ist aber sehr präsent und direkt im Vordergrund. Egal, wie oft ich die CD schon gehört habe, - ich bin begeistert.
Ms. Zimmermann's first all solo album makes the stronger case for the Reger Solo Viola Suites I have ever heard. Her interpretation brings many dimensions to these previously-thought thorny relics of pre-Hindemith. The two Bach suites (1 and 2) balance historically-informed practice with modern instruments and sound production. It's absolutely my favorite solo Bach on viola...
Let us hope for a Hindemith album and the remaining four Bach Suites soon!
I bought this CD because I am teaching myself the viola!! And this is marvellous - it allows you to hear the viola on its own and although no expert in music - I think it is fantastic!