Nicolas Corti; Han Jonkers - Passion on 10 Strings - Music for Viola & Guitar

The Spanish pieces on this CD became famous mainly as solo guitar compositions by the three Catalan master pianist Isaac Albeniz, Joaquin Malats and Enrique Granados. I have often played them that way in concerts as well. In 2019, Nicolas and I had the idea to transcribe these works combined with works by Astor Piazzolla for viola and guitar. Since then, we have enjoyed playing this music in numerous concerts.The viola-guitar combination gives these compositions a whole new dimension. Compared to the solo guitar versions, the works appear in a completely new light, allowing the compositions to emit transparency and a variety of tonal colors. The Spanish music of the CD program alternates with music by one of the most frequently performed works of Manuel de Falla (1876-1946), and the Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992). Piazzolla is considered the great innovator of the Tango, the Tango Nuevo. He originally composed the Histoire du Tango for flute and guitar. The other compositions are short character pieces, all of which we have arranged for viola and guitar.- Han Jonkers