Instrumentation
vla.db.strings
Availability
Score and parts for hire
Programme Notes
Concertos often get their energy from contrast and conflict. In this piece there is none of that: the viola and the bass are partners, sharing and swapping material. Sometimes, at the very beginning for instance, they play in unison (though octaves apart). The tutti strings are also on the same side, echoing the soloists.
The viola and the double bass have the same dark, shadowy character. Violin and cello belong to the day, viola and bass to the night. This little concerto is a nocturne, exploring those dark colours. (The 'silver bow' is the moon in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream').