Inspired by the ‘father of the modern viola’ Lionel Tertis, London-born composer Edwin York Bowen preferred the tone of this instrument to that of the violin. Encouraged by Tertis, his two widely contrasting Sonatas are pioneering in their use of the viola as a virtuoso solo instrument. Though roughly half the length of the Sonatas, the exuberant Phantasy takes us on a journey through a huge variety of tempo, texture, tonality and moods. The Bridge Duo’s recital of English Music for Viola (8.572579) was acclaimed as ‘excellent’ and ‘essential listening’. (MusicWeb International)