Benjamin Dale's Viola Music is a remarkable body of work, largely written just before the First World War, and the music's romantic grandeur is beautifully caught by Roger Chase's honey-toned viola. For total authenticity in music written for the great viola player Lionel Tertis, Chase plays on Tertis's beloved Montagnana viola, a large instrument with a gorgeous tone. A wonderfully rewarding programme is crowned by the world premiere recording of Dale's Introduction & Andante for Six Violas, whose dry title belies a sumptuously romantic outpouring, six violas creating the textures of a string orchestra. A hauntingly enjoyable discovery; and remember, you heard it first on Dutton Epoch.

CDLX 7204