This collection of Romantic pieces is remarkable for the outstanding quality of the playing. Tabea Zimmermann and Thomas Hoppe give every indication of enjoying the music and it’s evident that they have given much thought to the essential character of each piece. In the set of Albumblätter by Hans Sitt, every movement has a sharply defined personality – No 1 resonant and mellifluous, No 2 with a more plaintive tone, and so on. For such a little-regarded composer, the music comes over as surprisingly absorbing and rewarding.

The main emphasis of the recital is to present the viola as an inward-looking, melancholy voice; the titles – two romances, two élégies, plus a rêverie and a légende – strongly suggest an introspective ambience. But within this general mood there is plenty of contrast; from the spare, elusive outlines of Liszt’s Romance oubliée to the theatrical, highly emotional manner of Vieuxtemps’s Elégie. In such a strongly felt, brilliantly executed performance as this, I find the Vieuxtemps entirely irresistible. There are some true rarities – the delicate Vierne pieces and the Wieniawski – all well worth reviving.

Of the two Kreisler pieces, the only music not originally conceived for viola (the Kodály is designed equally for violin, viola or cello), the Romance creates a remarkable impression, due to the luminosity and refinement of Zimmermann’s tone in the extreme high register; this contrasts most effectively with the lightness and grace of Aucassin et Nicolette. Altogether, it’s a fascinating programme, with wonderful performances.