The viola, a beautiful and expressive instrument, often stands in the shadow of its more famous cousin, the violin. However, over the centuries, the viola has developed its own unique voice within the classical music world. While it may not have the same level of recognition as the violin or the cello, it offers a deep, rich tone that resonates with listeners in a profound way. Viola solos are essential for any violist looking to truly understand the power and beauty of this instrument. In this article, we will explore some of the best viola solos in classical music, including famous compositions and lesser-known gems. These works will give you an understanding of the versatility and depth of the viola as a solo instrument.
The Unique Sound of the Viola
Before diving into the best viola solos, it’s important to understand the characteristics that make the viola such a special instrument. The viola is slightly larger than the violin, with a lower pitch range, and it is tuned a fifth lower. Its sound is often described as more mellow, rich, and darker compared to the violin, with a haunting and lyrical quality. This makes the viola an ideal instrument for conveying both emotion and subtlety in performance.
The viola also has a certain flexibility, capable of producing both dramatic and delicate sounds. Its warm, resonant voice can blend well with other instruments in an ensemble, but as a solo instrument, the viola shines in a way that’s uniquely its own. Whether you are playing a famous concerto or a lesser-known chamber work, the viola’s ability to convey depth and emotion is unmatched.
Famous Viola Solos and Concertos
1. Berlioz – Harold in Italy, Op. 16
Hector Berlioz’s Harold in Italy is one of the most famous works written for viola. Though originally conceived as a symphony with viola obbligato, it has become a staple of the viola repertoire and is often performed as a concerto. The viola takes the lead in this piece, weaving through the vivid narrative of the protagonist, Harold, who roams through the Italian countryside. The work features rich melodic lines and complex harmonies, allowing the violist to demonstrate their full range of expression, from delicate, lyrical passages to more dramatic, intense sections.
The viola part in Harold in Italy is challenging yet immensely rewarding, and it remains a benchmark for violists. The second movement, “March of the Pilgrims,” showcases the viola’s ability to create poignant, introspective moments. In contrast, the fourth movement, “Serenade of the Mountain,” provides moments of virtuosic brilliance. The concerto is a beautiful example of the viola’s lyrical and narrative potential.
2. William Walton – Viola Concerto in D Minor, Op. 1
The Viola Concerto by William Walton is another cornerstone of the viola solo repertoire. Composed in 1929, this work was written for the legendary violist Lionel Tertis, who was one of the primary figures in elevating the viola as a solo instrument. Walton’s concerto is a dramatic and emotionally charged piece, with an intensity that is rarely matched in the viola literature.
The concerto’s first movement, marked Allegro moderato, is a robust, energetic opening that showcases the viola’s agility and ability to produce brilliant, forceful sounds. The second movement, Andante con moto, is introspective and lyrical, highlighting the viola’s ability to sing. The third movement, Presto, brings the piece to an energetic and virtuosic conclusion, leaving a lasting impression on both the performer and the audience.
3. Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach – Viola Concerto in D Minor, H. 425, Wq. 23
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the son of J.S. Bach, composed several works for the viola, but his Concerto in D Minor stands out as one of the finest. This concerto, written in the mid-18th century, showcases the viola’s expressive potential with a balance of lyricism and virtuosic passages. The piece is structured in three movements, and its dramatic intensity, combined with moments of lyrical beauty, makes it a rewarding work for the violist.
The first movement, Allegro, features a bold, assertive theme that is passed between the orchestra and the soloist. The second movement, Largo, provides a beautiful, melancholy contrast, with the violist required to play long, sustained notes with rich tone. The final movement, Allegro, brings the piece to a lively and exuberant conclusion. This concerto is a perfect example of how the viola can produce a wide range of expressive qualities, from deep emotion to virtuosic brilliance.
4. Zoltán Kodály – Sonata for Solo Viola, Op. 8
The Sonata for Solo Viola by Zoltán Kodály is a monumental work for the viola and is considered one of the greatest compositions written for the instrument. Composed in 1915, the sonata is a profound exploration of the viola’s potential as a solo instrument. It is technically demanding and requires a high level of virtuosity, with extensive use of double stops, complex rhythms, and intricate melodic lines.
The sonata is divided into three movements: the first, Grave – Allegro, features a sweeping, dramatic opening followed by a lively, fast-paced section. The second movement, Adagio, showcases the viola’s ability to create deeply expressive, long-breathed phrases. The final movement, Allegro, is energetic and virtuosic, with a rhapsodic character. Kodály’s sonata is a brilliant display of the viola’s expressive range and remains an essential piece in the viola repertoire.
5. Béla Bartók – Viola Concerto
The Viola Concerto by Béla Bartók is one of the last works he composed before his death in 1945. Though the piece was unfinished at the time of his death, the surviving fragments were later completed and published by his protégé, Tibor Serly. The concerto is a deeply personal work, reflecting Bartók’s love for folk music and his experience as a composer during the turmoil of World War II.
The concerto’s first movement, Allegro moderato, is intense and emotionally charged, with a blend of lyrical themes and more dramatic, rhythmically complex passages. The second movement, Adagio religioso, is meditative and haunting, with the viola providing a poignant, sustained melody. The final movement, Allegro vivace, brings a sense of energy and drive, with the viola showcasing its virtuosic capabilities. This concerto, though often overshadowed by Bartók’s other works, remains a powerful and expressive addition to the viola repertoire.
Masterpieces for Viola and Orchestra
6. Sergei Rachmaninoff – Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14 (Arranged for Viola and Piano)
Originally composed as a vocal piece, Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise is frequently performed in various instrumental arrangements, with one of the most beloved being the arrangement for viola and piano. The piece is deeply lyrical, with a simple yet emotionally charged melody that allows the violist to demonstrate the full expressive range of the instrument.
In the viola arrangement, the piece flows beautifully, with the violist able to “sing” the melody with rich, sustained tones. The arrangement gives the performer ample opportunity to showcase their lyrical phrasing and expressive nuance. The beauty of Vocalise lies in its simplicity and its capacity to evoke deep emotion, making it an ideal piece for any violist looking to connect with their audience.
7. Dmitri Shostakovich – Viola Sonata in D Major, Op. 147
Shostakovich’s Viola Sonata is the final work he composed before his death in 1975, and it remains one of the most profound pieces in the viola repertoire. The piece is introspective and meditative, with a deeply personal character that reflects the composer’s life and struggles during the Soviet era.
The sonata’s first movement, Allegretto, features a calm, almost haunting melody that is passed between the viola and piano. The second movement, Moderato, is more reflective and somber, with the viola exploring rich, melancholic themes. The final movement, Adagio, brings the work to a close with an emotionally charged and introspective passage. Shostakovich’s Viola Sonata is a masterwork that challenges the violist’s technical ability while providing an opportunity for deep emotional expression.
Lesser-Known Viola Works
While the above compositions are well-known staples of the viola repertoire, there are many lesser-known viola works that deserve attention and performance.
8. Paul Hindemith – Trauermusik, Op. 34b
Written in 1936 in response to the death of King Frederick Wilhelm of Prussia, Hindemith’s Trauermusik is a short but deeply emotional piece for solo viola and string orchestra. The work is filled with mournful, somber themes that allow the violist to explore the darker, more introspective side of the instrument.
The piece opens with a slow, reflective theme that builds in intensity, leading to a dramatic middle section. Hindemith’s use of the viola’s range and dynamics gives the performer the opportunity to convey a wide range of emotions. Trauermusik is a powerful work that remains a significant yet often overlooked piece in the viola repertoire.
9. Garth Knox – The Rewind Solo (2001)
For those interested in contemporary viola works, Garth Knox’s The Rewind Solo is an exciting and innovative composition that pushes the boundaries of the viola’s capabilities. This piece incorporates a variety of extended techniques, such as harmonics, glissandi, and percussive effects, to create a unique sound world for the viola.
The Rewind Solo challenges the violist to explore the physicality of the instrument in new ways while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of sound. This work exemplifies the viola’s capacity for innovation and creativity, offering a fresh perspective on the instrument in the 21st century.
Conclusion
The viola has a rich and varied repertoire of solos, from iconic concertos by Berlioz and Walton to deeply emotional works by Kodály, Bartók, and Shostakovich. Whether you are a professional violist or an enthusiast, exploring these masterpieces will deepen your appreciation for the viola and its unique sound. Each piece provides a different way to express the viola’s emotional depth, from lyrical beauty to dramatic intensity. By performing or listening to these works, you will gain a greater understanding of the viola’s expressive potential and its place in the world of classical music.
