Albumblätter, Op. 39
3 Fantasiestücke, Op. 58
Romance, Op. 72
3 Morceaux, Op. 75
Romanze, Op. 102/1
Gavotte and Mazurka, Op. 132

Unless you're a violinist and during your studies progressed through this composer's many technical Violin Etudes, than you've most likely never heard of this composer before. Even recordings of his music are a scarce rarity. Bohemian violinist, violist, teacher and composer Hans Sitt (1850-1922) was considered an important figure in the world of the violin, especially as a teacher whose influence was felt from the 19th century tradition of Brahms and Schumann to the early years of the 20th century. He was Professor of Violin at the Leipzig Conservatory for 36 years, conductor of the Leipzig Bach Society, and Violist in the Brodsky Quartet for a while. Unfortunately, his name and stature are but completely forgotten now.

His music is highly lyrical and expressive, albeit slightly behind its time and was even "considered anachronistic in some avant-garde circles in the context of Germanic art at the beginning of the 20th century" {Booklet Notes}. It strikes a perfect balance between the leading voice and accompaniment. Violist Alicia Calabuig well defines the melodic darker hues of the viola against the brooding Brahmsian lines of the piano performed accordingly by chamber musician Jorge Blasco. Its intimate and evocative character provides a uniquely personal listening experience that will certainly rekindle musical memories from that era.

If you are constantly looking to listen to rarely performed or recorded music, well played and presented in finely engineered audio, here's a perfect opportunity.