79456A3A-77AB-44D6-8C91-49C5F76CC5BE

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ID79456A3A-77AB-44D6-8C91-49C5F76CC5BE
TitlecodeR01035
Title NameViola Concerto in One Movement
Marketing Copy(not set)
InstrumentationViola, Piano Reduction, from: 2.2.2.2: 2.0.0.0: Perc(2).Pno.Hp: Str (Winds positioned antiphonally divided into two quintets)
Commission(not set)
Dedication(not set)
Program NotesThe Viola Concerto was written for Atar Arad. Every idea in the piece reflects one of the marvelous qualities of a viola in the hands of an artist. No other instrument has such a natural warmth, mystery, amiable jocularity, forthright directness, and folk-like voice. In this Viola Concerto, the sound and character of the solo instrument is set apart from its surroundings in a variety of ways; the viola and orchestra rarely share material.

The one-movement form provides ample opportunities for sectional overlapping, juxtapositioning, interlocking, and cross-referencing, but the listener should be able to recognize six distinct sections (averaging 3-4 minutes in length) which alternate slow and fast tempos. The initial idea, a gesture which grows out of a repeated C-sharp (marked marcato, relentless) presents a ritualistic character which re-appears throughout the piece. The three fast sections are defined by demonic, incisive staccato eighth-notes; a "rustic, hearty" folk-like melody peppered with driving repeated 32nd-notes interlaced with the orchestra+s delicate triplet weavings; and a bright, high-spirited scherzo-finale. The work+s center of gravity is the pivotal fifth section, a free "Blues."
Title Brand2
Year Composed1995
Copyright Number(not set)
Copyright Year(not set)
Duration23
Ensemble Size2
Date Created2008-10-31 20:33:07.000000
Date Updated2025-09-30 20:33:07
Inhouse Note(not set)
Bsc Code(not set)
Text Author(not set)
Premier Performance Memo-World Premiere. Atar Arad, viola. Indiana University Chamber Orchestra/ Paul Biss. 24 Mar 99.
Recording CreditsRecorded by Atar Arad (viola), Indiana University Chamber Orchestra, Paul Biss, "The Music of Don Freund Vol. 1," IUSM-10
Review"Perhaps the big newsÉwas the introduction of an impressive, very workable new concerto for the viola, one that required a first rate violist, of course, but that could, if word gets around, make a mark on the repertory for that instrument. ThereÕs plenty in the score with which a violist can show off. ThereÕs some very nice and some very interesting music for the listener to take in, and in relative comfort. And the instrumental ensemble required Ñ two antiphonal wind quintets, percussion, harp, piano and strings Ñ should not be too difficult to gather and rehearse." --Peter Jacobi, Bloomington Herald-Times
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Title Category10
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Title Instrument Category TextViola
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Title Sub Category99
Title Instrument Header57
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Clean Urlviola-concerto-in-one-movement-r01035