Walton, Grisi & Prokofiev: Heroes

Cinematic, lyrical and modernist, Walton’s 1929 Concerto for Viola and Orchestra makes a hero of its soloist, allowing the viola to soar to great heights and relish its darker, woodier depths. Adrien La Marca is alive to its every change of mood, from the second movement’s youthful scamperings to the tempestuous finale, responding with alert, rhythmic playing and an opulent tone of cello-like intensity. Two other works brilliantly continue that heroic theme: On the Reel by Gwenaël Mario Grisi is a sublime, single-movement piece that channels the instrument’s tender side, and an ingenious, thrilling arrangement of Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet is a brilliant, characterful companion to the Walton.