York Bowen's Viola Concerto

[John H White]

Next Saturday 24th January the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra, under their conductor Jonathan Butcher, will be including a performance of the York Bowen Viola Concerto with the young Spanish Violist Loreno Canto Wolteche as soloist, in their all English programme. The other works in the concert are Vaughan Williams's Wasps Overture and Elgar's 2nd Symphony. This takes place at their usual venue, the Medina Theatre, Newport, Isle of Wight. Tickets, at £14, are obtainable from the Theatre box office whose phone number is 01983 823884
   I cannot say that I am familiar with any of York Bowen's music, but I might go along just to support our local band.

[Alan Howe]

The Bowen is a really fine late-romantic piece, John. You should enjoy it greatly.

[rosflute]

The sonata for flute has long been known to flute players. It is a fabulous work

[minacciosa]

It's a terrific concerto for the instrument, frankly among the very best written for the viola.

[eschiss1]

There's a recording on Hyperion, by the way, coupled with Forsyth's. (Some of Bowen's works, though not the viola concerto Op.25 so far, can be seen, in US/Canada non-copyright- or just Canada-non-copyright, depending on publication date- versions (most of his music will be in public domain in the EU too, but not until 2032, assuming laws do not get yet stricter), @ IMSLP.org.)

[Jimfin]

Yes, it's one of the best viola concertos, and I think one of Bowen's best concerti (and he wrote quite a few).

[John H White]

Thanks very much, gentlemen for all those enthusiastic replies. Tomorrow I shall endeavour  to book tickets.

[alberto]

I too am a fan of Bowen Viola Concerto. Besides the Hyperion, I own also an ASV recording (obviously today deleted).

[Alan Howe]

There is also a reportedly excellent recording on Centaur:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bowen-Viola-Concerto-Sonata-Lederer/dp/B000F6ZOE6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421586902&sr=8-2&keywords=bowen+viola+concerto
Copies of the ASV recording can still be found here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walton-Bowen-Zealand-Symphony-Orchestra/dp/B000FA55SW/ref=sr_1_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1421587103&sr=1-3&keywords=bowen+viola+concerto

[John H White]

The IWSO performed to their usual high standard but I didn't care very much for the Bowen concerto apart from the finale. However I enjoyed the Wasps overture and the Elgar No 2, particularly the finale

[semloh]

Sorry that you weren't impressed by the Viola Concerto, John.

Although I enjoy Bowen's music generally, I admit that I too am not a great fan of the viola concerto. I think the orchestral component is masterful, but the viola part seems rather dull and at times a bit boring! It always seems so joyless, and the hint of triumph in the quick, closing section is a welcome relief. Dare I say that it may be the viola itself that's the problem... and perhaps you have to be in the right mood for its consistently mournful tone. .....(awaits protests!!)

[Jimfin]

I don't think anyone has bettered Walton in writing a viola concerto. But then I mostly think of that as an orchestral work, with the soloist largely unimportant.

[minacciosa]

Being very familiar with Quincy Porter's Viola Concerto, I don't hesitate to posit that IMO it is the greatest concerto written for that instrument. it's a ceaselessly resourceful work endowed with perfect balance of content and execution. The viola sings and flies, and the orchestra supports and shines in apposite manner. If you haven't heard it, try to do so. It's also one of the more difficult concertos for soloist, and rhythmically of the orchestra.

[Alan Howe]

I'd put the Walton at No.1 simply because of its originality. Anyway, back to the Bowen...

[Alan Howe]

By the way, John, I'm sure we all appreciate your expertise in Porter.