Rudolf Haken & Rachel Jensen - Romancing The Viola - Viola Music of Rudelf Haken (2016)

“[Haken] is a lively and colorful composer... hearing [Haken] playing his own music with conviction is enjoyable... the instruments are done justice to [by the recorded sound], and I am happy to have the project... Try this one. You might like it.”

Moore, American Record Guide [November/December 2016]

“[Rudolf Haken is] cosmopolitan, absorbing mainly American and Western-European elements... musically conservative and seemingly unabashed about it: he doesn't need every harmony to sound individual or every melody to take unexpected turns. But, on the flip side, don't assume his music is predictable or rife with clichès – it's not... performances by Haken and pianist Rachel Jensen are splendid... there is much that is highly rewarding on this disc, and those interested in accessible contemporary chamber and/or viola music should fine this disc of interest. Sound reproduction is well balanced and clear and the album notes by Paul Groh are informative and thought-provoking.”

Robert Cummings, Classical Net [October 2016]

“If a bit of stirring modern neoclassical-neoromantic chamber music for viola sounds like something you'd appreciate, there is Rudolf Haken and his album of compositions entitled Romancing the Viola... Rudolf plays the viola quite well and Rachel Jensen seconds him nicely… This is well-crafted, well-played music that has some of the expression and passion of early last century, yet also sometimes is modern neo-classical in a way that has something of the sophistication of Hindemith but remains original nonetheless... These are works with memorable thematics, well constructed compositional form and a touch of virtuoso kinetics. I found after listening several times that Haken wears well on the ears... Refreshing!”

Grego Applegate Edwards, Gapplegate Classical Review [August 2016]

[ + + + + ] “Rudolf Haken [is] a fine violist... [the Polonaise for Viola and Piano is] a virtuoso showpiece filled with unexpected harmonic and rhythmic twists. It keeps sounding as if it is veering off the tracks into unexpected territory, then abruptly pulls back, as if Haken is having fun at the expense of performer and listener alike. [Für Fritz is] a playful, harmonically rich and very difficult display piece in the Kreisler mode, filled with chromaticism and delicacy that are almost impossible to balance – although Haken himself clearly knows how to produce the effects he wants... [The Suite in A minor is] a classy updating of the Baroque suite that invites, indeed requires, Romantic interpretation: there is some of the poise of Bach and Telemann here, and the movements’ dance titles are those of the old suites, but the music itself has definite Romantic flair and expressiveness. … Rachel Jensen is a very fine accompanist and partner throughout the recording...”

Mark J. Estren, InfoDad [July 2016]