Concerto for Viola

Concerto for Viola

In the family of wondrous instruments that we've inherited in our Western tradition, the viola is among the most beautiful and uniquely expressive, and it is also an instrument that is heard all too infrequently in a solo setting.  Over the years conducting the Boston Pops Orchestra, I was always struck by the artistry of the orchestra’s principal violist Cathy Basrak, and resolved to write a work, not only for an instrument I love, but also to celebrate the brilliance of this great violist. The result is this concerto, the first performance of which was given at Symphony Hall, Boston, on May 26, 2009.

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Duration: 21 minutes
Premiere Date: 2009

  • Solo Viola
  • 2 Flutes (both double Piccolo)

  • 2 Oboes

  • 2 Clarinets (2 doubles Bass Clarinet)

  • 2 Bassoons
  • 2 Horns

  • 2 Trumpets in C
  • Timpani

  • Percussion
  • Harp
  • Piano/Celeste
  • Strings

Percussion List:

  • Glock
  • Marimba
  • Vibes
  • Chromatic Crotales
  • Cymbal
  • High Cymbal
  • High Sus Cymbal
  • 2 Small Sizzle Cymbal (2 high pitches)
  • Triangle
  • Small Triangle
  • 2 Japanese Blocks
  • Small High Maraca
  • Ratchet