Despite its significance, Lionel Tertis, a prominent violist, ignored Forsyth's Viola Concerto and did not include it in his autobiography's list of British viola concertos.
Historical Context
The emergence of Lionel Tertis, a champion of the viola, in the early 20th century transformed its standing as a solo instrument.
Performer Biography
Lawrence Power, the violist on this recording, was the first British winner of The William Primrose International Viola Competition in Canada.
Recording & Production
This recording of Bowen's concerto uses an edition edited by John White, which bases the viola part on that used by Lionel Tertis at the first performance.
Composer Biography
York Bowen, born into a well-off family, was recognized as an up-and-coming performer and won the prestigious Erard Scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at age fourteen.
Composer Biography
Both York Bowen and Cecil Forsyth, the composers on this disc, played as orchestral viola players in the Queen's Hall Orchestra under Henry Wood early in their careers.
Composition History
Cecil Forsyth's Viola Concerto in G minor, premiered in 1903, was possibly the first full-blown concerto for viola by a British composer.
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