A point of encounter
1886—1979
Composer · Violist
United Kingdom · United States
20th century
Overview
Rebecca Clarke built her musical life from inside the ensemble. Born in Harrow, she studied composition with Charles Villiers Stanford at the Royal College of Music and made her living as a violist. Her international performing career ran alongside a concentrated body of chamber music and songs. The Viola Sonata of 1919 brought particular attention to her work; the Piano Trio followed in 1921. She later lived in New York, where renewed performances near the end of her life helped bring her music to new listeners.
[1][2]Cultural context
English-born musician whose performing and composing life extended across Britain and the United States.
Musical Language
Clarke’s music places expressive melody within a tonal language and a finely balanced chamber texture. Her songs range widely in dramatic character, while instrumental works give individual voices room to converse. Her experience as a violist offers a useful point of entry: listen for the relationship between an instrument’s line and the surrounding ensemble.[1][2]
A point of encounter
A few paths into the music. Follow a recording, a score, or the composer’s catalogue.
01 / Score
Begin with the Viola Sonata, a meeting of two independent instruments. This publisher listing provides the score and solo parts; it is a score resource, not an audio stream.
Explore the score catalogue — External website; opens in a new tabSelected works
1 / 1 · Selected Works — not a complete catalogue.
| Work | Year & catalogue | Forces & genre | Resources & verification |
|---|---|---|---|
Sonata for Viola and Piano | 1919 | Viola and piano; a cello alternative is available in the cited edition. Chamber |
A dash indicates that a date has not been established in this selection. External resources may have access or regional conditions.
Research
Original editorial summaries, checked against the sources below. Linked catalogues and recordings remain with their publishers and archives.
Composer / specialist resource
Rebecca Clarke — Life — External website; opens in a new tabSpecialist resource
Rebecca Clarke — External website; opens in a new tabPublisher
Sonata for Viola (or Violoncello) and Piano — Rebecca Clarke — External website; opens in a new tabLast reviewed: