Suite for Viola and Orchestra (Vaughan Williams)

The Suite for Viola and Orchestra (also called Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra[1][2]) by Ralph Vaughan Williams is a work in eight movements for solo viola and orchestra composed in 1933 and 1934. The Suite is dedicated to violist Lionel Tertis, who premiered the work on November 12, 1934 at the Queen's Hall in London under the baton of Malcolm Sargent.[3] A typical performance lasts about 23 minutes.

Form

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The work consists of eight movements, initially published in three groups.

Group 1
  1. Prelude
  2. Carol
  3. Christmas Dance
Group 2
  1. Ballad
  2. Moto Perpetuo
Group 3
  1. Musette
  2. Polka Melancolique
  3. Galop

The work is scored for solo viola, 2 flutes, 1 oboe, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, percussion, celesta, harp and strings.

Discography

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Complete recordings
Partial recordings

References

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  1. ^ Concertos & Solo Instruments, The Ralph Vaughan Williams Society, retrieved 1 September 2021
  2. ^ Hector Bellman, Suite for viola & small orchestra, AllMusic, retrieved 1 September 2021
  3. ^ Frank, Alan (1999). Vaughan Williams (CD booklet). Colchester, Essex: Chandos Records.