Each instrument has songs created for them that led to their popularity – such as the viola from the string family. As one of the oldest instruments that have been played for many centuries, there have been several compositions created for violas that left its listeners enthralled and mesmerized that even in the 21st century is still being played by most violists. Here are some of the masterpieces written for viola:
Bartók Viola Concerto
The magical feeling that the composition invokes toward its audience, was written by Bartók during the final weeks of his life. Despite the vagueness of the exact text left, the composition itself was complete enough that it was commended by various violists and adored by the audience.
Ligeti Solo Viola Sonata
The composition is considered to have taken the capabilities of the viola on a different scale as the sonata stretched its composition through giving its listeners with provoking and expressive range.
Shostakovich Viola Sonata
Dubbed as bright, light and clear by the composer himself, this viola sonata was able to convey both light and darkness that symbolizes the period he has been living.
Berio Sequenza VI
The composition explores the new technique of playing the viola through giving its listeners with both drama and shock. It has the intensity that can take the breath away of those who are listening to violists playing it.
Britten Lachrymae
Written in the 1950s, the Lachrymae possesses both beauty and power on each of its notes and a favorite composition for most soloists.
Walton Viola Concerto
A breakthrough for Walton, this viola concerto he had created made a history for the viola industry as it emphasizes the capability of the viola as a solo instrument through melancholy sound.
Bax Viola Sonata
Recorded around 1929, the Bax Viola Sonata is claimed to be a composition written for Tertis (also a composer during the era this was created). Its rhythmic and authentic music style perceived to come from the roots of the old age, and while its range is different, it is still considered a remarkable piece in today’s century.
Schumann Marchenbilder, Op 113
Teasing its listeners with fairy-tale-like sounds, the composition aims to create fantasy events and scenes in the minds of its audience.
Bohemian Rhapsody
An all-time favorite song by the band Queen, the Indiana University Studio Orchestra teamed up with musicians to create a viola version of this rock song which received praise for its unique outtake.
Perfect
A famous song in the 21st century by Ed Sheeran, the singer-songwriter paired with Jeremy Green to create a viola version of this song that eventually became a favorite practice and performance song for many violists.
All of Me
Ranging in G3-E5, a fresh perspective and raw emotions were able to produce from the slow arrangement of this song written and sung by John Legend.
A Thousand Years
In range Eb4-Bb5, this composition by Christina Perri became popular amongst violists for its poignant and passionate version on viola.
What is truly remarkable with all the masterpieces written for viola are the stories it tells – it is through the compositions written that we are able to feel the emotions of the composer and able to live in the lives of many people through putting ourselves in the compositions they’ve made to express themselves.
