Hans Gál: Music for Viola, Volume Two
Trio for Violin, Viola and Piano, Op. 97b
Serenade for Violin, Viola and Cello, Op. 41
Divertimento for Flute, Viola and Harp, Op. 80b
Impromptu for viola and piano
Trio for Violin, Viola and Cello, Op. 104
Hanna Pakkala (viola), Reijo Tunkkari (violin), Lauri Pulakka (cello), Niamh McKenna (flute), Päivi Severeide (harp), Irina Zahharenkova (piano)
Toccata Classics TOCC0761, 2025
Where to buy or listen
Hans Gál: Music for Viola, Volume Two
Hans Gál • Hanna Pakkala (viola); Reijo Tunkkari (violin); Lauri Pulakka (cello); Niamh McKenna (flute); Päivi Severeide (harp); Irina Zahharenkova (piano)
About this release
Toccata Classics notes that Hans Gál wrote an extensive body of music for the viola. This second volume features chamber works spanning four decades – the Trio for Violin, Viola & Piano Op.97b, Serenade for Violin, Viola & Cello Op.41, Divertimento for Flute, Viola & Harp Op.80b, an Impromptu and the Trio for Violin, Viola & Cello Op.104. The label emphasises Gál’s melodic gift and contrapuntal skill, pointing out that despite the wide time span these works share a warmth and lyrical charm.
Source: Toccata Classics · release page · accessed 1 Apr 2026
Where to buy or listen
- Physical purchase: Toccata Classics (CD)
- Download: Presto Music
- Streaming: Spotify album
- Download: Apple Music
What critics said
Sonagrama — “Hans Gál: Music for Viola Vol. 2”
Reviewer: Unattributed · Publication date: 2025 · Rating / distinction: Positive review · Format note: Capsule review quote
Sonograma praises violist Hanna Pakkala’s elegance and notes that Hans Gál’s music is being increasingly recognised for its refinement and lyrical beauty.
The review welcomes this second volume, commending the performers for their sensitive phrasing and claiming that Gál’s chamber music deserves a central place in the repertoire.
Classical Music Daily — “Warm & Lyric Chamber Music – Hans Gál’s Viola Trios”
Reviewer: Unattributed · Publication date: 2025 · Rating / distinction: Recommended · Format note: Full review
The review describes Gál’s trios as “warm and lyrical, with equality of the parts and arresting tonal blends.” It praises the performers’ finesse and recommends the disc to lovers of chamber music.
Classical Music Daily emphasises the tunefulness and structural clarity of Gál’s trios and applauds the recording for its balanced ensemble work and clear engineering.
The Absolute Sound — “Hans Gál: Viola Chamber Works”
Reviewer: Andrew Quinton · Publication date: 2025 · Rating / distinction: Highly recommended · Format note: Full review
Quinton remarks that the divertimento “could almost be by Mozart in its tunefulness and colour” and praises both the performers and the excellent sonics.
The review asserts that the recording reveals Gál to be a major melodist. Quinton highlights the interplay between instruments and notes that the engineering captures warmth and clarity; he recommends the disc without reservation.
American Record Guide — “Hans Gál: Music for Viola – Volumes 1 & 2”
Reviewer: Steven Sangster · Publication date: 2025 · Rating / distinction: Positive review · Format note: Capsule review quote
Sangster describes the music as “autumnal, reflective and deeply felt” and notes that both discs maintain a high interpretative level.
The reviewer comments that Volume 2 continues the strengths of Volume 1, offering eloquent playing and coherent programming that reveal the depth and variety of Gál’s chamber music.
