Violists Lionel Tertis and William Primrose commissioned many new viola concertos, including works by Bartók, Bax, and Britten, pushing the instrument's solo repertoire into the 20th century.
Composer's Artistic Vision
William Walton's Viola Concerto juxtaposes major and minor tonalities, creating a tension between tradition and modernism.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Max Bruch's Kol Nidrei and Romance are filled with nostalgia and wistful sadness, reflecting his desire to invoke the great age of Romanticism.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Arvo Pärt's music offers a point of repose in a hectic world, opening up realms of silence and musical transparency.
Composition History
William Walton's Viola Concerto was initially rejected by its commissioning violist, Lionel Tertis, who found its musical language 'far-fetched' at the time.
Composition History
Many de-facto viola concertos are hidden behind deceptive names, almost as if composers were reluctant to advertise their works for the 'Cinderella among string instruments'.
Instruments
The viola, despite being one of the oldest instruments in the modern orchestra, was among the last to receive significant attention for concertos.
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