Viola Concerto

Viola Concerto is a musical composition for Viola solo and chamber orchestra, The orchestration requires: viola solo, violin solo (off-stage), two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, bass clarinet, two horns, two trombones, tuba, timpani, pianoforte, six violas, six cellos and percussion, (suspended cymbal, four bongos, four tom-toms, two marimbas, bass drum). All parts in the score are at concert pitch except that of the bass clarinet which is transposed to B-flat, treble clef. The viola section is situated to the conductor’s left. The remainder of the orchestra is seated as usual. The orchestration has been selected to emphasize the dark side of the tonal spectrum. The exclusion of such instruments as violins, trumpets and bassoons allowed for greater flexibility of dynamic range with colors which would not obscure the viola sound as that of principal importance. The work is based upon a four pitch descending cell and four sonorities of four to six pitches. Stylistically non-tonal, with complex sonorities serving as harmonic bases, the main harmonic drive centers around the pitch C. The work is cast in three movements played without pause. Viola Concerto is approximately seventeen minutes in duration