Waltz for Betz
(1999)

soon to be released on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's CLASSICS label,
featuring the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
Janet Rutherford, viola soloist, Sean O'Boyle, conductor

Program Notes

Waltz for Betz is, as one might assume, a waltz dedicated to someone named Betz.  It is a gentle, passionate ballad -- Satie by way of Mancini -- originally composed for solo piano as a musical Valentine's Day card, then later arranged as a recital piece for viola and piano, and for viola and string orchestra.

Comments and Reviews

... Waltz for Betz is a glorious journey into the realm of the hopelessly romantic...  a musical voice that deserves a much wider audience...  the first of many of James Grant's works I would love to record...

Sean O'Boyle, conductor
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (Australia) recording session

 

... a sweet, warm gem of a piece... a nod to Satie and pure tenderness... a musical valentine that effectively explores the sounds of various ranges on the viola... couples in the audience were reported snuggling closer to each other during a recent performance...

Michelle LaCourse, commissioning violist
faculty, Boston University and University of Massachusetts

Played Waltz for Betz [in its arrangement for tuba and piano] on my recital...  The audience LOVED it! Oh yeah, and they "LIKED THOSE OTHER PIECES, TOO."  That is a direct quote from more than one audience member.  I'll say it again, Waltz for Betz is just beautiful. My fiancé asked if I would play it at our wedding....

Matthew K. Brown, tubist
Avatar Brass Quintet

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