Jacob Adams: Voices from the Homefront

The Strad Issue: February 2026

Description: A thought-provoking programme offers plenty to enjoy

Musicians: Jacob Adams (viola) Paul Lee (piano)

Works: Music by Behrend, Block, Fuerstner, Gideon, Kay and Stevens

Catalogue number: BLUE GRIFFIN BGR965

This enterprising recital gives new life to viola music written in the 1940s by four American-born composers and two European ones who emigrated to the US. Frederick Block (born Friedrich Bloch in Vienna) makes humorous use of dance rhythms in his Viola Sonata, the first movement being a sultry tango, and the Finale a lopsided march. The first of the Two Pieces by Strasbourg-born Carl Fuerstner is also a twisted march, somehow like Fritz Kreisler’s, whereas Block’s reminded me of Korngold!

Ulysses Kay studied with Paul Hindemith, which shows in the angular melodies and free tonality of his compact four-movement sonata. His one-movement Sonatina is of a more traditional hue, Kay again showing a sure hand at shaping his material. Jeanne Behrend’s emotional Lamentation, written in memory of a relative killed in action, and previously performed by these players in an anthology produced by the American Viola Society (which I reviewed in 2024), takes its due place within this new context. Halsey Stevens’s Serenade is suitably haunting, while Miriam Gideon’s sonata is a powerful piece cast in an individual mould.

Jacob Adams is an eloquent advocate of his chosen repertoire, confidently taking some unconventional writing in his stride with consistently beautiful dark tone. He is proactively seconded by Paul Lee, David Bynog’s informative notes adding greatly to the enjoyment of this beautifully produced album.

CARLOS MARÍA SOLARE