Obscure Music Monday: Bridge's Gondoliera

Frank Bridge (Feb. 26, 1879 - Jan. 10, 1941) was an English composer, violist and conductor. Born in Brighton, he attended the Royal College of Music in London from 1899 to 1903, and was active as a violist in several string quartets. He also did a bit of conducting for awhile before devoting himself to composition, with one of his most famous students being Benjamin Britten. Bridge was prolific in his output, but his music is still comparatively little known, and not programmed very often, despite his works being held in high regard.

Gondoliera was written in 1907, for violin and piano, and many violists like to play this work as well! What starts out first as pensive quickly opens up to a dramatic line from the violin. After a thoughtful, intense and brief few meaures, things turn cheery with a theme that starts with an octave and goes in to a happy section, with piano accompaniment almost sounding like a harp at times. The pensive section returns, then the more joyful theme again, before coming to a sweet close. It's not the deepest of works, but it gives the performer a chance to capitalize on their ability to create different moods and atmospheres.

Thankfully there are some recordings of this work for you to enjoy! (these recordings are on the viola)

Louise Williams and David Owen Norris
The Bridge Duo