Suite for Viola and Orchestra (Vaughan Williams)


The Suite for Viola and Orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams is a work in eight movements for solo viola and orchestra composed in 1933 and 1934. The Suite is dedicated to violist Lionel Tertis, who premiered the work on November 12, 1934 at the Queen's Hall in London under the baton of Malcolm Sargent. A typical performance lasts about 23 minutes.

Form

The work consists of eight movements, initially published in three groups.
;Group 1:
  1. Prelude
  2. Carol
  3. Christmas Dance
;Group 2:
  1. Ballad
  2. Moto Perpetuo
;Group 3:
  1. Musette
  2. Polka Melancolique
  3. Galop
The work is scored for solo viola, 2 flutes, 1 oboe, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, percussion, celesta, harp and strings.

Discography

;Complete recordings
;Partial recordings