Michael Csányi-Wills: Viola Sonata, Violin Sonata, 3 Russian Songs (DXL 1222) Digital Booklet

‘As a composer, I have always been drawn to the emotional currents that run beneath personal and historical memory – to the quiet spaces where loss, resilience and hope meet. In these new works for viola, violin, soprano, and piano, I want to bring that sensibility to bear on a broader reflection: on the fragility of our world, both politically and environmentally, and the forces that connect and divide us. I’ve drawn on the lyrical, introspective language that shapes much of my music, to evoke the beauty, the tensions, and the quiet urgency of a world at a crossroads.’

Award-winning composer and pianist Michael Csányi-Wills has created a diverse body of work, ranging from chamber music and choral compositions to orchestral pieces and film scores. He was composer in residence with the Welsh Sinfonia 2013 – 2016; and his recent orchestral works have been widely performed through-out the UK. Michael’s music has been commissioned and performed across Europe, Australia, China, and the USA. He has composed scores for over 40 films, including documentaries and dramas. He won Best Score at the Movie Maverick Awards for A Love Story in Milk and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the World Soundtrack Awards. As a pianist, Michael performs and records regularly. His recordings of the complete Weinberg Violin Sonatas, with Russian violinist Yuri Kalnits, were released by Toccata Classics to critical acclaim. Volumes 1 & 2 won a Diapason d’Or in the French magazine Diapason. Volume 3 was nominated for a much coveted ICMA award in 2021, and Volume 4 was released in 2022.

Catalogue No: DXL 1222
Title: Michael Csányi-Wills: Viola Sonata, Violin Sonata, 3 Russian Songs
Artists: Michael Csányi-Wills (piano), Ilona Domnich (soprano), Charles Mutter (violin and viola)
Barcode: 0666283122220
Playing Time: 64:54
UK Release: 6th March 2025
UK Distribution: RSK, Tel: 01488 608900
Packaging: 1CD, Digipak; Box 35

Track List:

MICHAEL CSÁNYI-WILLS (1975-)

VIOLA SONATA
1. Moderato 9:21
2. Adagio 4:45
3. Con Moto 5:37
4. Adagio for Viola and Piano 4:51
5. Meditation for Viola and Piano 4:22

VIOLIN SONATA
6. Con Moto 8:57
7. Andante Moderato 7:23
8. Allegro Moderato 6:29

THREE RUSSIAN SONGS
9. Awakening 5:21
10. Elegy 4:43
10. To the Countryside! 3:04