Obscure Music Monday: Bowen's Melody for the C String

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.

Bowen wrote many works for viola, including Melody for the C String, which you can guess, is played entirely on the C string. Composed in 1918, it was designed for the famous violist Lionel Tertis, to demonstrate the tone of the viola's lowest string. The melody is poignant, with a piano part that supports the viola incredibly well. The violist plays entirely on the C string, with a great deal of playing in the upper positions, all while having to make sure the tone is just as rich and beautiful as in the lower positions. Along with this technical challenge, the melodic material creates a good musical challenge as well.