101 Most Beautiful Songs for Viola: A Comprehensive Guide

The viola, a beloved member of the string family, has captivated audiences for centuries with its warm, rich tone. From classical concertos to contemporary folk melodies, the viola's versatility shines through in a vast repertoire of captivating compositions. This comprehensive guide presents 101 of the most beautiful songs for viola, each carefully selected for its exceptional artistry, emotional depth, and enduring charm.

Classical Masterpieces

1. Bach Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: A cornerstone of the viola repertoire, this suite showcases Bach's genius with its intricate counterpoint and poignant melody.

101 Most Beautiful Songs for Viola

by Perry Shaw

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Language	:	English
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2. Mozart Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola in E-flat Major, K. 364: A playful and elegant dialogue between the viola and violin, this concerto is a testament to Mozart's wit and musical brilliance.

3. Brahms Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1: A profound and passionate work, this sonata explores the viola's expressive range with its sweeping melodies and dramatic contrasts.

4. Walton Viola Concerto: A modern masterpiece, Walton's concerto is a virtuosic showcase that demands technical prowess and musical sensitivity.

5. Shostakovich Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op. 147: A haunting and introspective work, this sonata reveals the viola's somber and reflective side.

Romantic Era Gems

6. Schumann Märchenbilder, Op. 113: A collection of four enchanting pieces, Schumann's Märchenbilder captures the wonder and magic of fairy tales with its lyrical melodies and evocative harmonies.

7. Brahms Two Clarinet Sonatas, Op. 120: Originally composed for clarinet, these sonatas have been beautifully adapted for the viola, presenting a rich and expressive dialogue between two beloved instruments.

8. Franck Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano: Although primarily written for the violin, this sonata features a prominent viola part that adds warmth and depth to the ensemble.

9. Dvořák String Quintet No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 97: A soaring and lyrical masterpiece, this quintet highlights the viola's ability to blend seamlessly within a chamber ensemble.

10. Fauré Élégie, Op. 24: A poignant and serene meditation, Fauré's Élégie is a heartfelt expression of sorrow and remembrance.

Contemporary Classics

11. Hindemith Viola Sonata, Op. 11 No. 4: A challenging and rewarding work, Hindemith's sonata pushes the viola's technical and expressive limits.

12. Bartók Sonata for Solo Viola: A masterpiece of twentieth-century music, Bartók's sonata combines complex rhythms and harmonies with folk elements.

13. Crumb Sonata for Solo Cello: Although originally written for cello, this sonata has been transcribed for viola, creating a haunting and atmospheric work.

14. Tavener Viola Concerto: A spiritual and evocative work, Tavener's concerto explores the viola's ability to evoke transcendence and inner peace.

15. Adès Dark River: A contemporary masterpiece, Adès' Dark River is a powerful and moving meditation on death and rebirth.

Folk and Traditional Melodies

16. Scarlatti Sonata in D Minor: A lively and dance-like piece, Scarlatti's sonata captures the essence of Spanish folk music with its infectious rhythms and intricate embellishments.

17. Vaughn Williams Suite for Viola and Piano: A set of evocative pieces inspired by English folk songs, Vaughn Williams' suite showcases the viola's lyrical and pastoral qualities.

18. Dvořák Gypsy Melodies, Op. 55: A collection of haunting and romantic melodies, Dvořák's Gypsy Melodies bring the vibrant rhythms of Eastern Europe to the viola.

19. Bartók Hungarian Folksongs: A diverse collection of traditional Hungarian folk melodies, Bartók's arrangements for viola are both authentic and virtuosic.

20. Grainger Molly on the Shore: A beloved Irish folk song, Grainger's arrangement for viola captures the spirit of the original melody with its evocative harmonies and lush orchestral accompaniment.

Film and Television Scores

21. Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5: Aria (Villa-Lobos): This haunting and evocative melody from Villa-Lobos' suite has been featured in countless films and television shows.

22. John Williams Schindler's List: Main Theme: A poignant and unforgettable melody, Williams' theme captures the emotional weight and tragedy of Schindler's List.

23. Max Richter "The Leftovers" Theme: A haunting and introspective piece, Richter's theme perfectly captures the emotional journey of HBO's acclaimed series "The Leftovers."

24. Ramin Djawadi Game of Thrones: The Rains of Castamere: A powerful and foreboding melody, Djawadi's "The Rains of Castamere" has become an iconic part of the Game of Thrones soundtrack.

25. Hans Zimmer Interstellar: Cornfield Chase: A thrilling and ethereal piece, Zimmer's "Cornfield Chase" perfectly captures the sense of awe and wonder in Christopher Nolan's film Interstellar.

Modern Arrangements

26. Bach Air on the G String (arr. August Wilhelmj): A beautiful and haunting arrangement of Bach's famous air, Wilhelmj's transcription showcases the viola's expressive capabilities.

27. Pachelbel Canon in D Major (arr. Alfred Reed): A timeless and elegant piece, Reed's arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon brings new depth and richness to the beloved melody.

28. Piazzolla Oblivion (arr. Leonid Desyatnikov): A passionate and evocative tango, Desyatnikov's arrangement of Piazzolla's Oblivion captures the raw emotion and energy of the original.

29. Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaven (arr. David Hurwitz): A legendary rock anthem transformed into a haunting and ethereal piece for viola, Hurwitz's arrangement breathes new life into this classic.

30. Radiohead Creep (arr. Chris Wood): A hauntingly beautiful arrangement of Radiohead's iconic song, Wood's transcription captures the emotional intensity of the original in a new and unexpected way.

Jazz and Popular Music

31. Miles Davis So What (arr. Wynton Marsalis): A beloved jazz standard, Marsalis' arrangement for viola translates Davis' iconic melody into a sophisticated and soulful piece.

32. John Lennon Imagine (arr. David Juritz): A timeless classic reimagined for viola, Juritz's arrangement captures the peace and beauty of Lennon's original.

33. Bob Dylan Blowin' in the Wind (arr. Dave Morgenstern): A poignant and socially conscious anthem, Morgenstern's arrangement for viola gives new depth and meaning to Dylan's lyrics.

34. The Beatles Eleanor Rigby (arr. Arthur LaBarbera): A haunting and evocative ballad, LaBarbera's arrangement for viola brings out the emotional weight and richness of The Beatles' classic.

35. David Bowie Life on Mars? (arr. David Hurwitz): A surreal and enigmatic song, Hurwitz's arrangement for viola captures the otherworldly atmosphere of Bowie's original.

World Music Inspirations

36. Traditional Indian Raga Mishra Pilu: A captivating and meditative raga from Indian classical music, Mishra Pilu explores the viola's ability to evoke both serenity and intensity.

37. Traditional Japanese Folk Song Sakura Sakura: A beloved Japanese folk song, Sakura Sakura captures the beauty and fleeting nature of cherry blossoms with its delicate melody.

38. Traditional Chinese Folk Song Yangko: A lively and energetic folk song, Yangko celebrates the joy and spirit of Chinese culture with its infectious rhythms.

39. Traditional Irish Jig The Irish Washerwoman: A spirited and playful jig, The Irish Washerwoman showcases the viola's rhythmic dexterity and Irish folk heritage.

40. Traditional Brazilian Choro Choro da Saudade: A soulful and melancholy Brazilian folk dance, Choro da Saudade captures the essence of longing and nostalgia.

Thematic Expressions

41. Love: Bruch Romanze, Op. 85: A heartfelt and passionate piece, Bruch's Romanze is a timeless expression of romantic love with its soaring melodies and lyrical harmonies.

42. Loss: Shostakovich Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op. 147, II. Largo: A hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving second movement, Shostakovich's Largo explores the depths of grief and loss.

43. Joy: Vivaldi Concerto for Viola in G Minor, RV 416, III. Allegro molto: A lively and exuberant third movement, Vivaldi's Allegro molto bursts with energy and celebrates the joy of life.

44. Serenity: Schubert Quartet No. 1

101 Most Beautiful Songs for Viola

by Perry Shaw

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14633 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	122 pages

FREE