Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767): Canonic Duos (1738)
Nicolo Paganini (1782-1840): Sonata Concertata in A major, Op. 61 (1804)
Paul Kont (1920-2000): Ballade (1950)
John Hawkins (b. 1949): Crossings (2020)
Günter Braun (1928-2005): Sonatine (1979)
Roberto Sierra (b. 1953): Primera Cronica del Descubrimiento (1991)
Luigi Legnani (1790-1877): Canzonetta Italiana
Enrique Granados (1867-1916): Intermezzo from Goyescas (1911)
Manuel de Falla (1876-1946): Danza Espanola from La Vida Breve (1904/05)
Joaquin Nin (1879-1949): Seguida Espanola (1930)

As you can see from this CD's subtitle "Duos from Baroque to 21st Century", the works assembled in this collection span a time period of almost 300 years. Unquestionably nice to hear pieces for viola and guitar by established masters like Telemann and Paganini, it's the lesser-known and more recent offerings here that should be of interest to collectors.

For instance, the Largo from Günter Braun's 'Sonatine' delves deep into the lower register of each instrument to deliver a compelling canvas of darker hues and colors. And the title track of this recording, Crossings by John Hawkins, composed just five years ago, pairs these two instruments very well with both traditional as well as new techniques.

Add to this the Spanish flair inherent to the music of Manuel de Falla and Joaquin Nin, and you have a well-rounded program suited to this duo of stringed instruments played with committed expression by once rock music guitarist Bill Zito and well-established violist Patricia McCarty. Recommended to both viola and guitar enthusiasts alike. This unaffected recording on a small independent label imparts an intimate presentation of this instrumental combo.