Winner of numerous competitions and enjoying an outstanding solo career, Dana Zemtsov is one of the most promising violists of her generation. Unlike other stringed instruments, the viola repertoire has not been as thoroughly explored. This colorful anthology of music for solo viola, which contains a selection of challenging works, helps to remedy that situation. Zemtsov's debut recording avoids the lyrical melodies and heartwarming beauty with which viola music is so often associated. Instead, there are tales of war, perplexed wanderings through obscured labyrinths, intense cries of despair, sour tears of sorrow, and at times an ironic grin.