Edwin York Bowen (Feb. 22, 1884 - Nov. 23, 1961) was an English composer and conductor who played several instruments, including viola, horn, organ, and piano. He started piano lessons with his mother when he was very young, and his talent was recognized immediately. His musical education continued at the North Metropolitan College of Music, and then Blackheath Conservatoire of Music, and at 14 he attended the Royal Academy of Music, and studied composition with Frederick Corder. He went on to win several composition awards, and was later a Professor at the Royal Academy.

During his time, Bowen had considerable success composing, and playing piano. He enjoyed playing piano with the famous violist Lionel Tertis, and considered the viola to be superior in tone to the violin, and wrote several works for the instrument, including two sonatas.

Viola Sonata No. 1 was dedicated to Lionel Tertis, and published in 1907. The first movement opens up with a chromatic line, and the viola confidently announces its arrival over a busy and involved piano part. The viola part is dramatic and melodic, but has some tender moments throughout, though constantly confident and assertive. Tertis described the work as "vivacious."

Movement two, Poco e lento cantabile, has a reserved passion about it, but is passionate nonetheless. Bowen's writing for the instrument is rich and full, particularly in the middle section, where the viola soars above the arpeggio-type figures in the piano.

The third and final movement, Presto, starts by packing quite a punch in the viola part, with quite a spirited, intense, and vigorous mood, that is later interrupted by some very lyrical lines, though the work ends in an intense and biting way.

Here's a recording of this work for you to enjoy!

The Bridge Duo