Programme 103 – Viola Concertos
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We are exploring the instruments of the string section of the orchestra, and over the last several weeks we listened to the violin and the violoncello.
I have playing suitable music in the line of concertos with orchestra for you to get used to the sound of the instruments in their usual context, the orchestra. This was easy enough with the violin and ‘cello as these are so frequently featured as soloists that there is no shortage of material. In the case of the Viola it is rather more difficult, first to find concertos written before 1900 specifically for this unappreciated instrument. And then to find performances of these works on the Viola, as the violin and ‘cello, not content with their vast repertoire are not above borrowing from the scarce music for viola.
The two items tonight are both originals in both senses, written for and performed on the Viola.
The first is a three movement concerto by Carl Stamitz – his Viola Concerto in D Major from 1770.
Our second item is not a concerto, but a symphonic work which features a prominent viola soloist and is structured in a way that allows for virtuosic display. The work is by Hector Berlioz and is entitled Harold in Italy. The date of Composition is 1834. It was inspired by Lord Byron's poem "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage." The four sections are entitled
I. Harold in the Mountains - Andante – Allegro
II. The Pilgrims Procession – Allegretto
III. Serenade of an Abruzzian Highlander - Allegro assai
IV. The Robbers Orgies - Allegro frenetico
I have playing suitable music in the line of concertos with orchestra for you to get used to the sound of the instruments in their usual context, the orchestra. This was easy enough with the violin and ‘cello as these are so frequently featured as soloists that there is no shortage of material. In the case of the Viola it is rather more difficult, first to find concertos written before 1900 specifically for this unappreciated instrument. And then to find performances of these works on the Viola, as the violin and ‘cello, not content with their vast repertoire are not above borrowing from the scarce music for viola.
The two items tonight are both originals in both senses, written for and performed on the Viola.
The first is a three movement concerto by Carl Stamitz – his Viola Concerto in D Major from 1770.
Our second item is not a concerto, but a symphonic work which features a prominent viola soloist and is structured in a way that allows for virtuosic display. The work is by Hector Berlioz and is entitled Harold in Italy. The date of Composition is 1834. It was inspired by Lord Byron's poem "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage." The four sections are entitled
I. Harold in the Mountains - Andante – Allegro
II. The Pilgrims Procession – Allegretto
III. Serenade of an Abruzzian Highlander - Allegro assai
IV. The Robbers Orgies - Allegro frenetico