Composer

:

Steven R. Gerber

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1995 - 1996

Average_duration

:

20:35

The Viola Concerto is a composition by American composer Steven R. Gerber. It was composed in 1999 and premiered on March 23, 2000, by the National Symphony Orchestra, with soloist Roberto Diaz and conductor Leonard Slatkin. The concerto is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked "Moderato," begins with a lyrical viola solo that sets the tone for the entire piece. The orchestra then enters with a series of chords that provide a backdrop for the soloist's melodies. The movement features a number of contrasting sections, including a lively scherzo and a more introspective middle section. The second movement, marked "Adagio," is a slow and contemplative piece that showcases the viola's expressive capabilities. The soloist is accompanied by a delicate orchestral texture that provides a sense of space and atmosphere. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The final movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and energetic piece that features virtuosic passages for the soloist. The orchestra provides a driving rhythmic pulse that propels the music forward. The movement features a number of contrasting sections, including a lyrical middle section and a frenzied coda that brings the concerto to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, the Viola Concerto is characterized by its lyrical melodies, expressive solo writing, and colorful orchestration. Gerber's use of contrasting sections and dynamic shifts creates a sense of drama and tension throughout the piece. The concerto has become a popular work in the viola repertoire and is frequently performed by soloists and orchestras around the world.

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