Romance in F for Viola and Orchestra, Op. 85: Full Orchestra, Solo Strings with Ensemble, Solo Viola

Max Bruch (1838-1920) composed the ROMANCE (ROMANZE) in F, Op. 85 for Viola and Orchestra in 1911 as part of a group of works, written between 1909 and 1911, for specific performers with whom Bruch had a close relationship. In this instance, the ROMANCE was written for French violist Maurice Vieux, who gave the public premiere of the beautiful work, although a private concert given on April 25, 1911, by Bruch's conducting student Leo Schrattenholtz and his orchestral society, with Willy Hess as soloist, preceded that public performance. Bruch, known for his deeply rich melodies, was at the height of his compositional powers when he wrote this work, now a staple of the viola repertoire. Instrumentation: 1.1.2.2: 3.2.0.0: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Solo Viola in set. A version for viola and piano by the composer of this gorgeous work is also available in the LudwigMasters catalog, and it is superb as a lyrical recital piece.