Composer

:

William Walton

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1928 - 1961

Average_duration

:

25:33

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

The Viola Concerto is a composition by British composer William Walton. It was composed in 1928-29 and premiered on October 3, 1929, at the Queen's Hall in London, with the composer conducting and Lionel Tertis as the soloist. The concerto is in three movements and has a total duration of approximately 27 minutes. The first movement, marked Andante comodo, begins with a lyrical viola solo that is soon joined by the orchestra. The movement is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive melodies, with the viola often playing long, singing lines. The middle section of the movement features a more rhythmic and energetic theme, which is developed and expanded upon before the return of the opening material. The second movement, marked Vivo e molto preciso, is a scherzo-like section that is characterized by its playful and virtuosic writing for the soloist. The viola is often called upon to play rapid, intricate passages, while the orchestra provides a lively and rhythmic accompaniment. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical theme, which is again developed and expanded upon before the return of the opening material. The final movement, marked Allegro moderato, is a lively and energetic section that features a driving rhythm and a sense of forward momentum. The viola is often called upon to play rapid, virtuosic passages, while the orchestra provides a lively and rhythmic accompaniment. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical theme, which is again developed and expanded upon before the return of the opening material. Overall, the Viola Concerto is characterized by its lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and virtuosic writing for the soloist. It is considered one of Walton's most important works and has become a staple of the viola repertoire.

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