50th International Viola Congress

 Rebecca Clarke — Sonata for Viola and piano (excerpts from the manuscript, the 1921 Chester edition corrected by Clarke, and her annotated concert scores)

This presentation explores the interpretive resources found in the manuscripts and editions of Rebecca Clarke’s Sonata for viola and piano.

Written in 1919 for the Coolidge Competition, where Clarke was a finalist, the Sonata quickly gained attention and was published by Chester Editions. However, significant discrepancies remain between the viola and piano parts, despite Clarke’s involvement in the editing. The manuscript given to the competition and Clarke’s own annotated performance scores reveal important insights into her compositional process and musical world. Particular attention is given to interpretive markings such as tempo, rubato, breathing, ruptures and dynamics.

Through analysis and performance excerpts, this lecture-recital aims to provide performers with tools to better understand Clarke’s artistic vision for the viola and to inspire informed, personal interpretations.

This lecture is the result of the ClarkeSources research project undertaken at HEMU Lausanne, supported by Hes-So.

Find out more: HEMU – ClarkeSources – Les manuscrits de Rebecca Clarke: un terrain fertile pour l‘interprète. Étude du répertoire avec alto.