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Entertainment
Apr 24, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Timothy Ridout’s ‘Alto Appassionato’ Revives the Viola’s Golden Age

AI Summary
The new album *Alto Appassionato* pairs violist Timothy Ridout with pianist Jonathan Ware to showcase a thoughtfully curated early‑20th‑century repertoire. By reviving forgotten viola works and inventive transcriptions, the record underscores the instrument’s evolving role in modern classical programming.

Quick Take: A Fresh Viola‑Centric Journey

The Guardian’s review celebrates Timothy Ridout and Jonathan Ware for delivering an engaging, smartly curated programme that shines a spotlight on the viola’s rich, yet under‑explored, early‑1900s repertoire.

Curated Programme Highlights the Viola’s Early 20th‑Century Repertoire

The album opens with Léon Honnoré’s Morceau de concert, a piece that debuted in 1904 when the viola had only recently entered the Paris Conservatoire curriculum. It is followed by Henri Büsser’s moody Appassionato in C‑sharp minor, and the centerpiece—a César Franck violin sonata transcribed by Paul‑Louis Neuberth for viola—showcasing Ridout’s “glowing tone” and Ware’s rhythmic acuity. The latter half features Fauré song transcriptions, ranging from salon‑light pieces to deeper, lyrical works such as Les Berceaux and Après un rêve.

Album Metrics: Track Count, Release Platforms and Critical Reception

  • Total tracks: 9
  • Release date: 24 April 2026
  • Available on: Apple Music, Spotify, and major streaming services
  • Critical note: The Guardian describes the recording as “attractive and smartly curated” with “imagination” and “consummate technique.”

Why This Release Matters for the Modern Classical Landscape

By foregrounding the viola—a instrument historically eclipsed by the violin and cello—Ridout and Ware contribute to a growing movement that re‑examines neglected repertoire. Their transcriptions demonstrate the viola’s versatility, encouraging programmers and listeners to broaden concert programming beyond traditional violin‑centric works.

Looking Ahead: The Viola’s Growing Presence in Contemporary Recording

If the album’s reception continues to be positive, it could spur further recordings of rare viola pieces and inspire younger violists to explore similar transcriptions. The partnership also hints at future collaborations that blend scholarly research with high‑level performance, reinforcing the viola’s ascent in the classical recording market.