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Nimbus Records releases its Julius Röntgen Three Viola Sonatas album, with Herbert Kefer, viola, and Markus Schirmer, piano, on 4 April 2025 (NI 8118).
These Sonatas were written between November 1924 and March 1925. They show the composer at the height of his art… His friendly respect for the great North German and Viennese masters has quite obviously found its way into his creative thinking, and he makes use of the most diverse procedures with a sure hand. Nowhere is there a dubious proportion, no piece seems too long, no subject unduly strained. It should also be noted that Röntgen has a profound knowledge of the instruments - himself an excellent pianist, the piano part makes great demands, the viola part exploits the advantages of the instrument skilfully without ever overtaxing it. © Herbert Kefer
Herbert Kefer Herbert Kefer, viola
Herbert Kefer was born in Eisenerz, Austria, in 1960. At the age of five he received his first musical education on the violin. He continued his studies with Prof. Karl Frischenschlager in Leoben and with Prof. Karl Stierhof at the University of Music in Vienna. In 1986 he graduated with distinction. In 1980 he founded, together with three colleagues, the Artis-Quartett. The Quartet made more than thirty recordings, some honoured with the Grand Prix du Disque and the Diapason d'Or. In 1991 Herbert Kefer was appointed head of Viola at Graz University of Music / Institution Oberschuetzen. He is in demand as a soloist as well as a sought-after partner for chamber music groups.
© www.wyastone.co.uk/viola-concertos-herbert-kefer.html
Herbert Kefer was born in Eisenerz, Austria, in 1960. At the age of five he received his first musical education on the violin. He continued his studies with Prof. Karl Frischenschlager in Leoben and with Prof. Karl Stierhof at the University of Music in Vienna. In 1986 he graduated with distinction. In 1980 he founded, together with three colleagues, the Artis-Quartett. The Quartet made more than thirty recordings, some honoured with the Grand Prix du Disque and the Diapason d'Or. In 1991 Herbert Kefer was appointed head of Viola at Graz University of Music / Institution Oberschuetzen. He is in demand as a soloist as well as a sought-after partner for chamber music groups.
© www.wyastone.co.uk/viola-concertos-herbert-kefer.html
Markus Schirmer (photo: Christian Jungwirth) Markus Schirmer, piano
Energy, expression and emotion characterize Austrian top-pianist Markus Schirmer’s music making. No matter where he tours he receives audience acclaim for his charismatic musicianship and his ability to tell vivid stories with the instrument. Markus has worked with numerous orchestras worldwide including the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra London and Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.For his exceptional artistic diversity Markus Schirmer was awarded the “Music Manual Award“ at the Euromusic International Music Convention and is a recipient of one of Austria’s most prestigious awards, the Karl Böhm Interpretation Prize. One of his reviews sums him up: 'A pied piper on the piano ... music that comes straight from the heart, the brain and the fingertips.'
© www.markusschirmer.at/artist/biography
Energy, expression and emotion characterize Austrian top-pianist Markus Schirmer’s music making. No matter where he tours he receives audience acclaim for his charismatic musicianship and his ability to tell vivid stories with the instrument. Markus has worked with numerous orchestras worldwide including the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra London and Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.For his exceptional artistic diversity Markus Schirmer was awarded the “Music Manual Award“ at the Euromusic International Music Convention and is a recipient of one of Austria’s most prestigious awards, the Karl Böhm Interpretation Prize. One of his reviews sums him up: 'A pied piper on the piano ... music that comes straight from the heart, the brain and the fingertips.'
© www.markusschirmer.at/artist/biography
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Press kit for reviewers and radio producers: contact Ulysses Arts.
Press kit for reviewers and radio producers: contact Ulysses Arts.