Sir Arthur Bliss, a central figure in British music, described the viola as 'the most romantic of instruments; a veritable Byron in the orchestra'.
Composer Biography
Rebecca Clarke, a composer featured on this album, was the first female composition student of Sir Charles Stanford, who also taught Holst, Vaughan Williams, and Bridge.
Composer Biography
Rebecca Clarke, a composer on this album, began her career as a violinist until her teacher, Sir Charles Stanford, suggested she try the viola.
Historical Context
The first half of the twentieth century saw a significant increase in the number of composers writing for the viola, largely due to the efforts of Lionel Tertis, often called 'the first virtuoso British violist'.
Recording & Production
This album features world première recordings of William Walton's Two pieces for Violin and Piano (transcribed by Matthew Jones) and Theodore Holland's Suite in D for Viola and Piano.
Composition History
Rebecca Clarke's Viola Sonata was submitted to the Coolidge Competition under the pseudonym 'Anthony Trent' because she liked the name 'Anthony' and saw the River Trent on a map.
Critical Reception
Rebecca Clarke's Viola Sonata narrowly lost the Coolidge Competition prize to Bloch's Suite for Viola, but the jury demanded to know her real identity, making her a 'cause célèbre'.
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