Viola Sonata
Richard Wilson
About this work: (Published by: Peermusic Classical)
I have always been drawn to disadvantaged instruments, and there is none more put-upon than the viola. Though not comic in sound – as its fellow stepchild the bassoon can be – the viola is the subject of endless dim jokes presumably because of its rumored acoustical flaws, its lack of repertoire, and the invidious accusation that it was invented to provide work for failed violinists (whose shortcomings could go unheard owing the acoustic flaws and lack of repertoire). Far greater composers than I have attempted redress: Mozart, Berlioz, Hindemith – to name but three.
Apart from favoring the viola in all three of my string quartets, my first overt contribution to its rescue was MUSIC FOR SOLO VIOLA, written for Stephanie Fricker in 1988. The next year, Rudolf Firkusny – a friend for many years – suggested I write a short piece with piano for a concert he was planning with Walter Trampler, another friend of long standing. Given the stature of these players, the temptation to do a more challenging piece was hard to resist. This sonata was the result.
After the piece was written, circumstances prevented the envisioned concert from taking place. The premiere was thus postponed until November 14, 1991, when it was given at Greenwich House Music School in Manhattan by Mr. Trampler and Blanca Uribe.
In four reasonably short movements, the work exhibits coloristic piano figuration, taking full advantage of the pedal, above and against which the viola pleads its case in tones ranging from soothing and coy, to commanding and plangent. The instruments also engage in a good deal of contrapuntal repartee.
- Richard Wilson
For further information, please contact:
Peermusic Classical
810 Seventh Ave
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-265-3910 x16
Fax: 212-489-2465
Contact: Todd Vunderink, Director
classicalny@peermusic.com
www.peermusic.com/classical
Year composed: 1989
Duration: 00:18:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Keyboard plus One Instrument
Instrumentation: 1 Piano, 1 Viola