Once again Melba Recordings has come up with the unknown and interesting. This time the viola takes centre stage with music from the early twentieth century and music that seems oddly nostalgic – as if seeking something not remembered.

It is surprising that these works by Frenchman Charles Koechlin and Belgian Joseph Johgen are not better known. The sonata Koechlin is a massive work full of drama and longing, and the four pieces by Johgen are delightful and evocative of a passing or passed era. However, the real gems on this disc are Koechlin’s all-too-short pieces for viola, horn and piano. 

This trio combination has a wonderful haunting quality, which Koechlin is able to use to great effect. Violist Rodger Benedict and pianist Timothy Young obliviously enjoyed the challenge of doing something different and bringing something unknown into the open, for they play with great conviction and musical understanding. This CD is a real delight.