This eight movement work is divided into three groups of movements: Group I comprises a Prelude, Carol, and Christmas Dance; Group II a Ballad and Moto perpetuo; and Group III a Musette, Polka mâelancolique, and Galop. It was composed in 1934 for the great viola player Lionel Tetris, for whom the composer had written Flos Campi almost a decade earlier. Vaughan Williams's trademark pastoral lyricism is punctuated by passages of spirited virtuosity, skilfully exhibiting the abilities of both the instrument and the player. The work is available with accompaniment for either small orchestra or piano.
