Viola Concerto in G minor
Composer: Cecil Forsyth
Date of Publication: 1904
Composed in 1903 by Cecil Forsyth, a relatively unknown composer , this concerto lands right in the late romantic and early contemporary period. This marks it as sort of a 'transition concerto' between the more classical and baroque viola concertos (Zelter, Hoffmeister, Stamitz, Telemann, etc) and the contemporary concertos (Hindemith, Bartok, Walton, etc). Additionally, the concerto is a significant milestone for the viola, as it was the first proper viola concerto composed by a British composer. Forsyth being a violist is also quite apparent in this composition, as he understood the viola's innate lack of resonance compared to the more "correctly built" violin and cello, and such, made sure the orchestra part would not drown out the viola, but more so just provide the occasional accompaniment.
The concerto starts out with an unusual opening: a striking chord played by the orchestra that passes the baton to the viola, which plays a very romantic style of double stops and wispy melodies. My teacher says the exposition reminds you of a Harry Potter quidditch game, with the tremelo droning orchestra imitating the quidditch's wings flapping, and the viola bringing out an intense melody. The second movement, as in most concertos, is a slow andante that serves for the viola to play lamenting, slow, melody. Towards the end of the 46 bar 2nd movement, the concerto builds up towards a climactic recapitulation of the first movement. Finally, the 3rd movement brings us back to much of the intense double stopped first movement and occasional airy melodies.
Fun Fact: Its first performance was in Queen's Hall Promenade, on September 12th, 1903.
Movements:
I. Appassionato (Cadenza) - Moderato - Con moto, agitato
II. Andante un poco sostenuto
III. Allegro con fuoco
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