Composer

:

John Harbison

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1988

Average_duration

:

22:23

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

John Harbison's Viola Concerto is a contemporary classical composition that was composed in 1987. The piece was premiered on March 4, 1988, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with the soloist Kim Kashkashian. The concerto is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked "Moderato," begins with a solo viola line that is soon joined by the orchestra. The viola's melody is lyrical and expressive, with a sense of yearning and introspection. The orchestra provides a rich and colorful accompaniment, with lush harmonies and intricate textures. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The second movement, marked "Adagio," is a slow and mournful elegy. The viola's melody is somber and melancholy, with a sense of deep sadness and loss. The orchestra provides a sparse and atmospheric accompaniment, with long sustained chords and delicate textures. The movement is a meditation on grief and mourning, with moments of intense emotion and quiet introspection. The third movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and energetic finale. The viola's melody is playful and virtuosic, with a sense of joy and exuberance. The orchestra provides a lively and rhythmic accompaniment, with syncopated rhythms and lively counterpoint. The movement is a celebration of life and vitality, with moments of humor and wit. Overall, John Harbison's Viola Concerto is a rich and complex work that showcases the expressive and virtuosic capabilities of the viola. The concerto is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate textures, as well as its emotional depth and range. It is a significant contribution to the contemporary classical repertoire and a testament to the enduring power of the concerto form.

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