KARL HÖLLER (1907-1987): Chamber Music, Vol. 1 - String Quartet No. 4 in C, Op. 43 (Christian Sikorski, Uta Terjung [violins], Axel Breuch [viola], Mario de Secondi [cello]), Trio for Violin, Cello and Harp in C Minor, Op. 34 (Sikorski [violin], de Secondi [viola], Maria Stange [harp]), Viola Sonata in E, Op. 62 (Georg Schmid [viola], Karl Höller [piano]. Rec. 1968).

Description: Conservative, tonal works, just like the two symphonies we offered back in April: the quartet is from 1947, inspired by an art exhibition by the French Occupation authorities, and its impetus gave it a very French Impressionistic sound - lucid, transparent, iridescent of tone colors and playfully nimble. The trio, a 1966 arrangement of a 1944 work will sound French also but that's mostly due to the sound of the harp which makes what was originally a somewhat anxious war work sound much more relaxed and beautiful. The viola sonata (1967) is a tribute to Hindemith, somber at first but moving into more mellow and, finally, vibrant emotional areas.