Concerto for violin/viola (1 soloist) and orchestra (Anzoletti)

Violin/Viola Concerto (1 soloist)
by Marco Anzoletti
The composer (c. 1899)
Key	C major
Composed	1915 (1915), rev. 2020
Duration	50 mins.
Movements	Allegro Moderato assai Allegro vivo
Premiere
Date	26 April 2024 (2024-04-26)
Location	Cisternino, Theatre Paolo Grassi
Performers	Marco Misciagna (violin/viola) and Metropolitan City of Bari Symphony Orchestra

The Concerto in C major for Violin/Viola (one soloist) and Orchestra is a concerto composed in 1915 by Italian violinist and composer Marco Anzoletti. The work is notable for requiring a single soloist to perform alternately on both the violin and the viola. Although completed in the early 20th century, it remained unperformed until 2024, when it was orchestrated by Kenneth Martinson and premiered by Italian soloist Marco Misciagna.

Background

Marco Anzoletti (1866–1929) was a prolific but relatively obscure Italian composer and string player. Much of his output focused on works for violin and viola, many of which remained unpublished during his lifetime. This concerto, written in 1915, reflects his innovative approach to instrumental writing and his deep understanding of string technique.

Originally left in piano reduction, the score was orchestrated in the early 2020s by American musicologist and violist Kenneth Martinson, who aimed to preserve the clarity and elegance of Anzoletti's style in a modern orchestral setting.

Structure

The concerto is symphonic in scope and included an extended cadenza for the soloist (violin) that takes on the role of the development section in the first movement.

The concerto is divided into three movements:

1. Allegro
2. Moderato assai
3. Allegro vivo

I. Allegro

The first movement opens with a concise orchestral introduction. The soloist then presents two principal themes: one, played on the violin, is energetic and spirited; the other, on the viola, is lyrical and more introspective. A central development explores close modulations and includes dialogues between the soloist and woodwinds. A brilliant cadenza for the violin precedes the recapitulation and a confident closing statement.

II. Moderato assai

The second movement features warm, expressive melodies and a more restrained orchestral texture, giving prominence to the soloist's lyrical capabilities on both instruments. The main theme recalls the vocal quality of Brahms’ Violin Concerto Op. 77 slow movement, while a more agitated central section adds contrast before a peaceful return to the opening idea.

III. Allegro vivo

The final movement is built on a rondo form, with a syncopated and joyful main theme. The soloist alternates between violin and viola, with intermediate episodes that provide rhythmic and harmonic contrast. A short cadenza leads into a lively and virtuosic coda.

Orchestration

Martinson orchestrated the work with a small but colorful ensemble designed to support the soloist’s dual role:

• 2 flutes
• 2 oboes
• 2 clarinets in B♭
• 2 bassoons, or contrabassoon (ad libitum)
• 2 horns in F
• 2 trumpets in C
• Trombone, tuba
• Timpani
• Harp
• Strings

The orchestration emphasizes transparency and stylistic fidelity to early 20th-century Italian musical aesthetics.

Premiere

The concerto received its world premiere on April 26, 2024, at the Teatro Comunale Paolo Grassi in Cisternino, Italy. It was performed by Marco Misciagna, who alternated between violin and viola, accompanied by the Metropolitan City of Bari Symphony Orchestra.

Reception

The work was praised for its originality, lyrical beauty, and technical challenges. Critics described it as a rediscovered gem of early 20th-century Italian music, highlighting the successful integration of violin and viola in a solo role. Misciagna's interpretation was widely acclaimed for its virtuosity and expressive power.

See also

• Marco Anzoletti

External links

• Petrucci Music Library
• Premiere article on GEMS Music Publications
• Archivio musicale delle opere di Marco Anzoletti
• Feature article on The Strad