Master Class with Lars Anders Tomter
With Bénédicte Leclerc at Saline Royale Academy
Cast
Lars-Anders Tomter — Teacher, violist
Bénédicte Leclerc — Violinist
Program notes
British composer William Walton wrote his Viola Concerto in 1929, premiering it in London with Paul Hindemith as soloist. This work established Walton as a major figure in British music, and in 1961, he revised its orchestration to create a lighter version with less textured layers. Tone production is paramount here to establish a controlled, yet vibrant, sound. The melancholic character of the piece is rooted in English culture and demands a form of controlled flexibility that is created through physical movements, in addition to musical choices. Lars Anders Tomter is a Norwegian violist and a household name among violists. His artistry earned him prizes in major competitions, as well as performance opportunities with the BBC Symphony, the Royal Philharmonic, as well as numerous other groups. He plays a 1590 Gasparo de Salò viola.