The directness of the music is also evident in Ori Kam's perfect new recording of the fantasies. His intense, colorful viola sounds in each movement eloquent and expressive. Kam playfully lines miniature after miniature leaving one unable to pick the most impressive. The warm-sounding middle register of the instrument is of rare beauty. Kam also knows how to give the high tones of the viola a radiant glow, which is unusual for this otherwise rather nasal sounding instrument. Compared to the overly hyped Nils Mönkemeyer, Kam's playing is musically more substantive, meaningful and expressive. One feels that Kam is building a balanced career as soloist, chamber musician (Jerusalem Quartet) and orchestra member (Berlin Philharmonic), focusing on developing all his talents, and not only on achieving quick public success.
Ori Kam has enriched the viola repertoire with his Telemann CD of twelve jewels, which I hope will soon find their place in the concert world.