JAVS Summer 2014

Journal of the American Viola Society A publication of the American Viola Society Summer 2014 Volume 30 Online Issue Primrose: A Legacy Contents

From the Editor

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From the Presidents News & Notes

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p. 7 Spotlight on the Primrose Competition and Festival David Bynog surveys the competition and festival held June 8–14, 2014, which celebrated its 35th anniversary Feature Articles p. 18 The Journey of a Concerto: The Story of the Walton Thomas Tatton traces back the genesis of Walton’s iconic work, detailing history and influences, as well as the complexities of the various editions Departments p. 31 Construction and Design: The recent auction of the Macdonald Stradiviari viola failed to achieve its price tag of $45 million. Andrew Filmer takes a look at the instrument, the auction, and its implications. p. 40 New Music Reviews: Andrew Braddock reviews Hollows and Dells by Karim Al Zand, and Songs without Words by Don Freund Sedona-based architect Stephen Thompson created the cover artwork specifically for the Primrose Competition and 35th Anniversary Festival. He writes: “Occasionally inspiration comes easily, but only on rare occasion. The Vio/LA image is one of those ‘sketches-on-a napkin,’ finished within a few minutes and later formatted with color and text. The image came to me during a series of spirited encounters with PIVC Director and AVS President, Nokuthula Ngwenyama. Her inexhaustible passion for music and sheer artistic talent combined to create a truly inspirational process. From familiarizing me with the AVS and the competition to sharing tales of growing up in LA, the conversations enabled the project to take on a life of its own, becoming a ‘homecoming’ of sorts for us both and an opportunity to make a grand entrance back to this magically manic city. Indeed, a rare opportunity.” On the Cover: Stephen Thompson Vio/LA