Dance Suite for Solo Viola

Ailbhe McDonagh?s Dance Suite for Solo Viola is a vibrant and imaginative new work that celebrates the full expressive range of the viola. Across six contrasting movements, McDonagh draws inspiration from dance traditions around the world, creating a sequence that is as richly characterful as it is musically rewarding.

The suite opens with the smoky intensity of a Tango before flowing into the raceful lyricism of a Waltz, A spirited Gopak brings brilliant rhythmic drive, while the reflective Ballet movement offers poise and expressive depth. McDonagh?s own heritage comes to the fore in the lively Irish Reels, and the work closes with a swaggering, jazz-inflected Charleston.

Written with McDonagh?s signature blend of rhythmic energy, lyrical line and perfomer-centred insight, the Dance Suite offers violists a rich palette of musical challenges and interpretative possibilities. Equally effective in recital, competition, or study, this is a dynamic and engaging addition to the modern solo viola repertoire from one of Ireland?s leading composers and performers.

Ailbhe McDonagh is a composer and cellist from Dublin, Ireland, and teaches at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Her recital works for cello include Concerto No 1 for cello and chamber orchestra, Skellig, Valentia and Storm for cello and piano, and Dance Suite for solo cello. As a cellist, she performs both as a soloist and chamber musician. Her recordings include It?s a Cello Thing (2012), Skellig (2020), the complete Beethoven cello and piano sonatas with John O?Conor on the Steinway label (2021), and Bach: Complete Solo Cello Suites (2024).