Örebro Symphony Orchestra, Göran W. Nilson - Strindberg in Music (1987)

Tracklist

01. Suite for Orchestra, Op. 22 "Master Olof": I. The Refromer
02. Suite for Orchestra, Op. 22 "Master Olof": II. The Matron and the Child
03. Suite for Orchestra, Op. 22 "Master Olof": III. In the Cathedral
04. Suite for Orchestra, Op. 22 "Master Olof": IV. Margareta's death
05. Suite for Orchestra, Op. 22 "Master Olof": V. Merry making at Norreport
06. Symphonic Poem "Dithyramb"



As more and more violists gain international acclaim, the CD releases featuring chamber works for viola and piano have increased in number. And these recordings show that the soloists no longer come only from the 'old' European cultural sphere but increasingly from Asia as well.

The repertoire for the viola is far smaller than that for the violin, which is why violin works are sometimes adapted for the viola, an example being the Franck Sonata. Nonetheless, the viola's special power in the lower register has inspired composers of all ages and nations to compose for it.

The viola has been built to represent the alto range in the orchestral strings since the sixteenth century. The instrument is larger and heavier than the violin and is tuned a fifth lower. For technical reasons, efforts to increase the size of the instrument have not proved practical. The body of the modern viola is between 40.5 and 43 centimetres in length. The bow is also longer and heavier than that of the violin. The instrument's name derives from the historical 'viola da braccio' (arm viol), as opposed to the 'viola da gamba' (knee or leg viol). Music for the viola is still written in the historical alto clef, however, which is a relic from that history.

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