Clarke – Passacaglia on an Old English Tune (1941) 

Rebecca Clarke (1886–1979), an English composer and violist, defied conventions of her time to make significant contributions to 20th-century music. Born in Harrow, England, Clarke’s compositions, often overlooked during her lifetime, gained recognition later for their unique voice and emotional depth. Clarke’s versatility as both a composer and a performer, notably as a pioneering female violist, showcases her enduring impact on the classical music landscape. 

Rebecca Clarke’s “Passacaglia on an Old English Tune” is a testament to her ability to merge traditional forms with modern expression. Composed for solo viola and piano in 1941, the passacaglia draws on an old English tune, infusing it with Clarke’s rich harmonic language and expressive lyricism. The work serves as a notable example of Clarke’s mastery of the viola, her inventive approach to form, and her ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia within a contemporary context.