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We are exploring the instruments of the string section of the orchestra, and over the last several weeks we listened to the violin and the violoncello.

I have playing suitable music in the line of concertos with orchestra for you to get used to the sound of the instruments in their usual context, the orchestra. This was easy enough with the violin and ‘cello as these are so frequently featured as soloists that there is no shortage of material. In the case of the Viola it is rather more difficult, first to find concertos written before 1900 specifically for this unappreciated instrument. And then to find performances of these works on the Viola, as the violin and ‘cello, not content with their vast repertoire are not above borrowing from the scarce music for viola.

The two items tonight are both originals in both senses, written for and performed on the Viola.

The first is a three movement concerto by Carl Stamitz – his Viola Concerto in D Major from 1770.

Our second item is not a concerto, but a symphonic work which features a prominent viola soloist and is structured in a way that allows for virtuosic display. The work is by Hector Berlioz and is entitled Harold in Italy. The date of Composition is 1834. It was inspired by Lord Byron's poem "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage." The four sections are entitled

I. Harold in the Mountains - Andante – Allegro

II. The Pilgrims Procession – Allegretto

III. Serenade of an Abruzzian Highlander - Allegro assai

IV. The Robbers Orgies - Allegro frenetico Carl Stamitz - Viola Concerto in D Major from 1770. Performed by Tabea Zimmermann with the European Union Chamber Orchestra conducted by Dimitri Demetriades · Carl Stamitz - Viola Concerto in D Major from 1770. Performed by Tabea Zimmermann with the European Union Chamber Orchestra conducted by Dimitri Demetriades · Carl Stamitz - Viola Concerto in D Major from 1770. Performed by Tabea Zimmermann with the European Union Chamber Orchestra conducted by Dimitri Demetriades · Hector Berlioz - Harold in Italy from 1834. Performed by Juryi Bashmet with the Moscow RTV Symphony Orchestra I. Harold in the Mountains - Andante – Allegro · Hector Berlioz - Harold in Italy from 1834. Performed by Juryi Bashmet with the Moscow RTV Symphony Orchestra II. The Pilgrims Procession – Allegretto · · Hector Berlioz - Harold in Italy from 1834. Performed by Juryi Bashmet with the Moscow RTV Symphony Orchestra IV. The Robbers Orgies - Allegro frenetico

Today I have 11 items for you, covering the spirit of the dance in a wide variety of styles you are sure to enjoy!

1. Kabalevsky – Comedians’ Galop

2. Strauss II – Pizzicato Polka

3. Bartók – Romanian Folk Dances

4. Piazzolla – Libertango

5. Debussy – Golliwogg’s Cakewalk

6. Saint-Saëns – Danse Macabre

7. Falla – Spanish Dance No. 1

8. Khachaturian – Sabre Dance

9. Borodin – Polovtsian Dances

10. Delibes – Pizzicati from Sylvia

11. Grieg – Halling Dmitri Kabalevsky_ The Comedians - Suite, Op. 26 - Galop of the comedians Performed by the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Loris Tjeknavorian - · Johann Strauss II Pizzicato Polka (1870) Performed by the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by Willi Boskovsky · Bela Bartók - Romanian Folk Dances Performed by David Oistrakh and Vladimir Yampolsky · Astor Piazzolla – Libertango Performed by the Astor Piazzolla quintet · Claude Debussy Children's Corner L. 113_ VI: Golliwog's Cakewalk Performed by Seong-Jin Cho · Camille Saint-Saëns - Danse macabre, Op. 40 Performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir Neville Marriner · Manuel de Falla - Spanish Dance No. 1 (from La vida breve) Performed by Itzhak Perlman and David Garvey · Manuel de Falla - Danza n.º 2 de «La vida breve», piano (1904) Performed by Paco M Aranda · Aram Khachaturian - Gayaneh - Sabre Dance Performed by the Wiener Philharmoniker · Akexander Borodin - Polovetzian Dances Performed by the Orchestra of Lubeck · Léo Delibes - Pizzicati (Suite) from the Ballet Sylvia Performed by the New Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras · Edvard Grieg - Norwegian Dances, Op. 35_ No. 4, Allegro molto Performed by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Paavo Järvi

Our opening number in this programme of more Romantic cello music is by Astor Piazzolla - Las 4 Estaciones Porteñas (The four seasons of Buenos Aires)

We will listen to No. 3, Primavera Porteña – Spring.

We are going to continue with the second concerto for piano by Brahms in which the cello plays a very prominent role in the third movement. Listen to its warm and sonorous tone as it contrasts to and supports the piano.

After that we come to two shorter pieces for cello and piano, both quite well known, and both of which are also arranged for other instruments and instrumental combinations.

In the first, Jules Massenet’s Méditation from Thais, you will hear once again how the cello sings with its warm tone.

In the second, Gabriel Fauré’s – Élégie, the cello is very suited to this dramatic and mournfully reflective composition. An Elegy is a song of Mourning as one contemplates the nature of mortality.

We end our programme with a composition by Cesar Franck, his Sonata in A, which has also been arranged for various instruments. It is in four movements, and the last of the four is particularly interesting. It is an elegant and masterful example of cyclic form, where earlier thematic material from the preceding movements is woven into the finale. But what makes this movement particularly interesting is its extensive use of imitation and canon which is a compositional technique rooted in Baroque traditions, where one voice (instrument) states a theme and another follows in imitation. The movement begins with a graceful, lyrical theme played in canon between the cello and piano. The piano introduces the theme, and the cello quickly follows with the same theme, offset by a short time interval, creating a layered, imitative texture. Astor Piazzolla - Las 4 Estaciones Porteñas (The four seasons of Buenos Aires) No. 3, Primavera Porteña – Spring (Arr. J. Bragato for Piano Trio) Performed by Friedemann Eichhorn, Julius Berger and José Gallardo · Johannes Brahms - Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 83_ III. Andante Performed by Maurizio Pollini and Robert Scheiwein with the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by Claudio Abbado · Jules Massenet - Thaïs Méditation (Arr. for Cello & Piano) Performed by Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott · Gabriel Fauré - Élégie, Op. 24 Performed by Jacqueline du Pré and Gerald Moore · César Franck - Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano, FWV 8 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott · César Franck - Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano, FWV 8 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott · César Franck - Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano, FWV 8 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott · César Franck - Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano, FWV 8 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott

Today’s programme has the theme Romantic Reflections, and I present for your enjoyment these 12 items which are designed to leave you relaxed and calm.

• Scriabin Nocturne in A-flat major

• Schubert – Impromptu in G-flat major

• Schubert – Impromptu in A-flat major

• Fauré – Sicilienne

• Tchaikovsky – Waltz from Sleeping Beauty

• MacDowell – To a Wild Rose

• Franck – Panis Angelicus

• Grieg – Wedding Day at Troldhaugen

• Clara Schumann – Romance in A minor

• Saint-Saëns – The Swan

• Brahms – Intermezzo in A major

• Chopin – Étude in E major ("Tristesse") Alexander Scriabin - Nocturne in A Flat WoO 3 Performed by Valentina Lisitsa · Franz Schubert – Impromptus in G-flat major and A-flat major Opus 90 Performed by Krystian Zimerman · Franz Schubert – Impromptus in G-flat major and A-flat major Opus 90 Performed by Krystian Zimerman · Gabriel Fauré – Sicilienne Performed by James Galway · Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Waltz from “The Sleeping Beauty Suite” Opus 66a Performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert von Karajan · Edward MacDowell – “To a Wild Rose” from “Woodland Sketches” Opus 51 Performed by Harvey Lavan Van Cliburn · Caesar Franck – Panis Angelicus Performed by Cecilia Bartoli, Cinzia Maurizio, Luigi Piovano and Daniele Rossi · Edvard Grieg – Wedding Day at Troldhaugen Lyric Pieces, Book 8, Op. 65 No. 6. (arr. for orchestra) Performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony conducted by Jerzy Maksymiuk · Clara Schumann – Romance in A minor from 3 Romances, Op. 22 No. 1 WoO 3 Performed by Emmanuel Pahud and Eric Le Sage · Camille Saint-Saëns – Carnival of the Animals_ XIII. The Swan Performed by Yo-Yo Ma, Philippe Entremont, and Gaby Casadesus · Johannes Brahms – Intermezzo in A major from Sechs Klavierstücke, Op. 118_ II Performed by Arcadi Volodos · Frederick Chopin – Étude in E major (

Programme 101 Violincello Concertos Part 2 Programme Description

Today we continue our series in which we will explore in depth the various instruments that are used in the orchestra. By in depth I mean that we will listen to a substantial amount of music for each instrument, focusing on them one by one. We continue with part 2 of the other leader of the orchestra, the Violincello.

The ‘cello is one of the most celebrated instruments in the world, known for its unique voice, versatility, and expressive power.

Today’s three concertos are:

Edward Elgar – Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 (1919

Notable for: Quiet grief and noble reflection.

Listen for: The haunting opening solo, the sudden mood shifts between melancholy and determination, and the tender farewell at the end.

Camille Saint-Saëns – Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33 (1872)

Notable for: Effortless elegance with virtuosic flair.

Listen for: How the concerto starts with the solo cello immediately—no orchestral prelude. Notice the playful exchanges in the middle section.

Antonin Dvořák – Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104 (1895) the third movement

Notable for: Lyrical, grand, and deeply personal.

Listen for: The poignant farewell in the finale. Edward Elgar - Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by André Previn · Edward Elgar - Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by André Previn · Edward Elgar - Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by André Previn · Edward Elgar - Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by André Previn · Camille Saint-Saëns - Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma with the Orchestre National de France conducted by Lorin Maazel · Antonín Dvorák - Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104, B. 191_ III. Finale. Allegro moderato Performed by Yo-Yo Ma with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Lorin Maazel

about Music - Sundowner Programme 14

This week we will enjoy a programme of “Sundowner” music.

Easy listening for the end of the day.

The programme:

Franz von Suppé – The Light Cavalry Overture

Leroy Anderson - The Syncopated Clock

Leroy Anderson - The Typewriter

Carl Maria von Weber (Arranged by Hector Berlioz) Invitation to the Dance, Op. 65

Dmitri Kabalevsky - The Comedians: Galop Op 26

Paul Dukas - L'Apprenti sorcier

Ferdinand Ries - Piano Concerto Opus 151 - III. Rondo: Allegro vivace

Dmitri Shostakovich - Twenty-Four Preludes, Op. 34 No. 7 In A Major - Andante Arr. For Viola and Piano

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331 III. Rondo alla Turca: Allegretto

Franz Lehár - Gold and Silver Waltz Op. 79 Franz von Suppé – The Light Cavalry Overture Performed by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel · Leroy Anderson - The Syncopated Clock Unknown performers · Leroy Anderson - The Typewriter Unknown performers · Franz Lehár - Gold and Silver Waltz Op. 79 Performed by the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by John Eliot Gardiner · Dmitri Kabalevsky - The Comedians: Galop Op 26 The Philadelphia Orchestra & Eugene Ormandy - · Carl Maria von Weber (Arranged by Hector Berlioz) Invitation to the Dance, Op. 65 Performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker, conducted by Herbert von Karajan · Ferdinand Ries - Piano Concerto Opus 151 - III. Rondo: Allegro vivace Performed by Christopher Hinterhuber · Dmitri Shostakovich - Twenty-Four Preludes, Op. 34 No. 7 In A Major - Andante Arr. For Viola and Piano Performed byKim Kashkashian and Lera Auerbach · Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331 III. Rondo alla Turca: Allegretto Performed by Mitsuko Uchida · Paul Dukas - L'Apprenti sorcier Performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by James Levine

Programme 100 Violincello Concertos Part 1 Programme Description

Today we continue our series in which we will explore in depth the various instruments that are used in the orchestra. By in depth I mean that we will listen to a substantial amount of music for each instrument, focusing on them one by one.

We continue with the other leader of the orchestra, the Violincello.

The ‘cello is one of the most celebrated instruments in the world, known for its unique voice, versatility, and expressive power.

Robert Schumann – Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129 (1850)

Composer: Robert Schumann (1810–1856), German Romantic composer known for poetic and deeply personal music.This concerto is introspective and lyrical rather than showy; written in one continuous movement subdivided into three sections.

Joseph Haydn – Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob. VIIb:1 (c.1761–65)

Composer: Joseph Haydn (1732–1809), known as the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet." Lost for nearly 200 years, this work is full of elegance, charm, and classical clarity. Joachim Rodrigues - Concierto de Aranjuezfor Guitar and ‘Cello Performed by Stjepan Hauser and Petrit Çeku with an unnamed orchestra · Robert Schumann - Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks conducted by Sir Colin Davis · Robert Schumann - Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks conducted by Sir Colin Davis · Robert Schumann - Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks conducted by Sir Colin Davis · Joseph Haydn - Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Hob. VIIb_2 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma and the English Chamber Orchestra conducted by José-Luis Garcia · Joseph Haydn - Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Hob. VIIb_2 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma and the English Chamber Orchestra conducted by José-Luis Garcia · Joseph Haydn - Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Hob. VIIb_2 Performed by Yo-Yo Ma and the English Chamber Orchestra conducted by José-Luis Garcia

about Music - Sundowner Programme 13 Light and Graceful Elegance

This week we will enjoy a programme of “Sundowner” music.

Easy listening for the end of the day.

The programme:

Joaquín Rodrigo - Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez

Johann Sebastian Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068_ II. Air on the G String

Erik Satie - 3 Gymnopédies_ No. 1, Lent et douloureux

Joseph Haydn - String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76 No. 3, Hob. lll_ 77 Emperor - II. Poco adagio, cantabile

Luigi Boccherini - Minuet from String Quintet in E Major, Op. 13 No. 5

Stanley Myers – Cavatina from “The Deer Hunter”

Frédéric Chopin - Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 in E Flat Major

Gioacchino Rossini - Overture to “The Italian Girl in Algiers”

Johannes Brahms - Waltz, Op. 35, No. 15 in A-Flat Joaquín Rodrigo - Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez Performed by Norbert Kraft · Johann Sebastian Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068_ II. Air on the G String Performed by David Bell with the Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert von Karajan · Max Bruch - Eight Pieces for Clarinet, Viola, and Piano_ Nachtgesang_ Andante con moto Performed by The Bruch Trio (Jerry Kirkbride, clarinet, Jesse Levine, viola, Rex Woods) · Erik Satie - 3 Gymnopédies_ No. 1, Lent et douloureux Performed by Khatia Buniatishvili · Joseph Haydn - String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76 No. 3, Hob. lll_ 77 Emperor - II. Poco adagio, cantabile Performed by the Emerson String Quartet, · Luigi Boccherini - Minuet from String Quintet in E Major, Op. 13 No. 5 Performed by Mischa Maisky and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra · Stanley Myers – Cavatina from “The Deer Hunter” Performed by Craig Ogden · Frédéric Chopin - Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 in E Flat Major Performed by Jan Lisiecki · Gioacchino Rossini - Overture to “The Italian Girl in Algiers” Performed by the New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein · Johannes Brahms - Waltz, Op. 35, No. 15 in A-Flat Performed by Vladimir Horowitz

Programme 99 More Violin Music. Programme description

Today’s easy listening is a selection of music for Violin and for Guitar.

We open with Johan Svendsen’s - Romance, Op. 26 and next up I have what is reputed to be the all-time favourite movement from a violin concerto – the slow movement from Max Bruch’s - Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor. If you listened to our programme on Monday evening three weeks ago you would have heard the full concerto. We then started a new series which will feature all the instruments of the orchestra in the coming weeks, so the violin music tonight compliments Monday’s programme with some different aspects of the violin. I know you’re going to love this one!

We follow with two pieces by Pablo de Sarasate, - Danzas Españolas, Op. 21 - Malagueña and Habanera.

My next morsel for you is by Dmitri Shostakovich – three Pieces for 2 Violins & Piano - Gavotte, Elegy, and Waltz.

Astor Piazzolla is best known for his Libertango and that is in the next group, preceded by Oblivion and followed by his Ave Maria. These feature violin and guitar. Then a Hommage to Astor Piazzolla, written by Jean-Marie Lemarchand, a Tango, which features the violin with two guitars.

Our second-to-last item is Joseph Suk’s - Love Song, Op. 7 No. 1, and that is followed finally by an item from Peter Warlock’s Capriol Suite. Johan Svendsen - Romance, Op. 26 Performed by Henning Kraggerud with the Malmo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Bjarte Engeset · Max Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26_ II. Adagio Performed by Anne-Sophie Mutter with the Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert von Karajan · Pablo de Sarasate - Danzas Españolas, Op. 21 - Malagueña and Habanera Performed by Julia Fischer and Milana Chernyavska · Pablo de Sarasate - Danzas Españolas, Op. 21 - Malagueña and Habanera Performed by Julia Fischer and Milana Chernyavska · Dmitri Shostakovich - Pieces for 2 Violins & Piano (Arr. by Lev Atovmyan) - Gavotte, Elegy, and Waltz. Performed by Julia Fischer, Kirill Troussov, and Henri Bonamy · Dmitri Shostakovich - Pieces for 2 Violins & Piano (Arr. by Lev Atovmyan) - Gavotte, Elegy, and Waltz. Performed by Julia Fischer, Kirill Troussov, and Henri Bonamy · Dmitri Shostakovich - Pieces for 2 Violins & Piano (Arr. by Lev Atovmyan) - Gavotte, Elegy, and Waltz. Performed by Julia Fischer, Kirill Troussov, and Henri Bonamy · Astor Piazzolla - Oblivion, Libertango, and Ave Maria Performed by Sara Chenal & Olivier Pelmoine · Astor Piazzolla - Oblivion, Libertango, and Ave Maria Performed by Sara Chenal & Olivier Pelmoine · Astor Piazzolla - Oblivion, Libertango, and Ave Maria Performed by Sara Chenal & Olivier Pelmoine · Jean-Marie Lemarchand - Hommage à Astor Piazzolla II. Tango Performed by Sara Chenal, Olivier Pelmoine and Matthias Collet · Joseph Suk - Love Song, Op. 7 No. 1 Performed by David Oistrakh & Vladimir Yampolsky · Peter Warlock - Capriol Suite: 5. Pied-en- l'air Performed by Nicholas Kraemer with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir Neville Marriner

This week we will enjoy a mixed programme of light music.

Easy listening for the end of the day.

The programme:

Mikhail Glinka - Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture

Ludwig van Beethoven - Romance for Violin and Orchestra No. 2 in F Major, Op. 50

Johann Strauss II - The Beautiful Blue Danube, Waltz Op. 314

Camille Saint-Saëns - Carnival of the Animals_ XIII. The Swan

J.S. Bach_ Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043_ II. Largo ma non tanto

Claude Debussy - Suite Bergamasque, CD 82, L. 75_ III. Clair de lune

Edward Elgar - Salut d'amour, Op. 12

Johannes Brahms - Brahms_ 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1 - Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G Minor. Allegro

Antonin Dvorak - Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) Movement 4 Mikhail Glinka - Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Georg Solti · Ludwig van Beethoven - Romance for Violin and Orchestra No. 2 in F Major, Op. 50 Performed by Itzhak Perlman and the Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Daniel Barenboim · Johann Strauss II - The Beautiful Blue Danube, Waltz Op. 314 Strauss Orchestra Vienna conducted by Joseph Francek - · Camille Saint-Saëns - Carnival of the Animals_ XIII. The Swan Performed by Yo-Yo Ma · J.S. Bach_ Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043_ II. Largo ma non tanto Performed by Hilary Hahn and Margaret Batjer with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra conducted by Jeffrey Kahane · Claude Debussy - Suite Bergamasque, CD 82, L. 75_ III. Clair de lune Performed by Moura Lympany · Edward Elgar - Salut d'amour, Op. 12 Performed by Tasmin Little and John Lenehan · Johannes Brahms - Brahms_ 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1 - Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G Minor. Allegro Performed by the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by Claudio AbbadoJohannes Brahms - Brahms_ 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1 - Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G Minor. Allegro Performed by the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by Claudio Abbado · Antonin Dvorak - Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) Movement 4 Performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir George Solti