In Transitive Motion (2019)
Viola and ensemble [1(+picc.)11(+bass)0.100.1perc.piano.SOLO viola.11010]
Duration: 8’
Premiered by Sebastian Stefanovic (viola), Joshua Hong (conductor), and Shepherd School of Music Students
program notes
In Transitive Motion is a concerto for viola and large chamber ensemble that further expands and elaborates upon the material from a viola sonata I wrote in the spring of 2019. While composing this piece, I wanted to write music directly inspired by the viola as an instrument.
To me, one of the viola’s most striking qualities is that it’s inherently acoustically imbalanced as an instrument. An “ideal” or “true scale” viola would have a richer tone, but would also be larger and bulkier than the standard viola we see in the orchestra and therefore impractical to perform with. As a result, the viola is less resonant and has more difficulty projecting than other stringed instruments, which is why it usually players inner harmonies rather than adopting a soloistic role. With this in mind, I wanted to use the large chamber ensemble to augment the viola’s presence. The ensemble often acts as a source of resonance and amplification, where various instruments will double (at unison or octave) or extend the viola’s lines.
This piece, as well as the original sonata for viola and piano, was composed for Sebastic Stefanović. My greatest thanks to you, Sebastian, because this piece would not have been possible without you!