Composer

:

Ernest Bloch

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1919

Average_duration

:

33:50

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Ernest Bloch's Suite for Viola and Orchestra is a four-movement work composed in 1919. It was premiered in New York City on December 4, 1920, with the composer conducting the New York Symphony Orchestra and violist Milton Preves as the soloist. The first movement, marked Allegro deciso, opens with a bold and assertive theme in the viola, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement is characterized by its rhythmic drive and energetic interplay between the soloist and the orchestra. The second movement, marked Molto quieto, is a lyrical and introspective Adagio. The viola sings a mournful melody over a delicate accompaniment in the strings, creating a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. The third movement, marked Allegro ironico, is a playful and whimsical Scherzo. The viola and orchestra engage in a lively dialogue, with the soloist often interrupting the orchestra's playful themes with sarcastic interjections. The final movement, marked Lento - Allegro energico, is a grand and sweeping Finale. The viola introduces a majestic theme, which is then developed and expanded upon by the orchestra. The movement builds to a thrilling climax, with the soloist and orchestra engaging in a virtuosic display of technical prowess. Overall, Bloch's Suite for Viola and Orchestra is a masterful work that showcases the expressive and technical capabilities of the viola. The work is characterized by its bold and assertive themes, lyrical melodies, playful interplay, and grandiose finale.

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