Composer

:

Eric Coates

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

6:18

"First Meeting: Souvenir for viola & piano" is a composition by Eric Coates, a British composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 1923 and premiered in the same year. It consists of three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro moderato," begins with a lively and rhythmic piano introduction, followed by the entrance of the viola with a lyrical melody. The two instruments engage in a playful dialogue, with the viola taking on a more virtuosic role in the middle section. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, bringing the conversation to a close. The second movement, marked "Andante con moto," is a beautiful and expressive adagio. The viola takes center stage with a mournful melody, accompanied by gentle arpeggios in the piano. The music builds to a climax before subsiding into a peaceful coda. The final movement, marked "Allegro vivace," is a lively and energetic romp. The piano sets the tone with a jaunty introduction, and the viola enters with a playful theme. The music is full of rhythmic vitality and syncopation, with both instruments trading off virtuosic passages. The movement ends with a flourish, bringing the piece to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, "First Meeting: Souvenir for viola & piano" is a charming and engaging work that showcases Coates' skill as a composer. The piece is full of memorable melodies, lively rhythms, and virtuosic passages, making it a favorite among violists and pianists alike.

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