Brahms’s Zwei Gesänge for Voice, Viola, and Piano, Op. 91 is one of the Romantic composer's most singular and affecting vocal compositions. Written over 20 years apart, its two songs are unified by Brahms's use of the viola in an active, Baroque-inspired obbligato fashion. Intertwining with the voice, the instrument's melodies help steer the songs—which explore natural and religious themes—towards and away from moments of turmoil and ecstatic revelation. This stirring performance by mezzo-sopran