This transcription of the composer’s Cello Sonata op40 (1934) for viola combines the versions by cellist Viktor Kubatsky and the violist Evgeny Strakhov. Championed by Annette Bartholdy it shows a deep understanding and knowledge of the viola, its tonal qualities and technical capabilities and offers a notable addition to the repertoire from one of the most liberated phases of Shostakovich’s creative life.