In early 1919, Bloch wrote the Suite for viola and piano, and a few months later

arranged the piano part for orchestra. The work won the Coolidge Prize on that

year. The work is passionate and intense. It comprises four movements, the first

of which is the longest. A loud interrogation by the piano opens the slow

introduction, marked Lento. An agitated Allegro follows, and the movement

ends with a noble Moderato. The second movement, marked Allegro ironico, is

a boisterous Scherzo. In the third movement, Lento, the viola sings a pensive

melody while the piano reminisces over the main theme of the scherzo. The

finale, Molto vivo, opens in extroverted mood. There is a more relaxed section

before the feeling of the opening returns.

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