Stone Psalms for two violas, Ode to a Caged Bird for solo viola, Divertimento for viola and double-bass, Duo for violin and cello
This is a dramatic and virtuosic piece for two violas, inspired by a poem by Elisabeth Barrett. It lasts about 10 minutes. The recording is on the CD called Four Compositions, on youTube.
This work for solo viola was commissioned by Tring Chamber Music, to be a companion piece to the famous poem “I know why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou. It follows the structure and the images of the poem quite closely. I integrate two original Afghan traditional melodies, as at the time of composition, the American army withdrew from Afghanistan, and the theme of oppression in the poem resonated with the takeover by the Taliban.
I composed Divertimento for my friend Laurène Durantel shortly after I moved to Brittany and found that Laurène lived only half an hour away. The piece consists of six short character pieces, the first and last of which do seem to have something French about them. Works for viola and double bass are a rare species, and I’m grateful to Laurène for her guidance on how to write idiomatically, if in a demanding manner, for her instrument.
Ostinato – Scherzo – Adagio – Finale
This work was commissioned and first performed by Paul Barritt and Jo Horder, for Tring Chamber Music, the concert series that they created in 2003.
Robin Ireland and Sabine Toutain: violas
Laurène Helstroffer-Durantel: double-bass
Elena Toledo: violin
Joseph Barker: cello