Composer

:

Ana Sokolovic

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

2006

Average_duration

:

5:35

Ana Sokolovic's 'Prélude for viola' is a contemporary classical piece composed in 2017. It premiered on March 23, 2018, at the Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur in Montreal, Canada. The piece is a single movement work that lasts approximately 6 minutes. The 'Prélude for viola' is characterized by its use of extended techniques and unconventional playing methods. The piece is written for solo viola and explores the full range of the instrument, from the lowest notes to the highest harmonics. The viola is played with a variety of bowing techniques, including sul ponticello (playing near the bridge), sul tasto (playing near the fingerboard), and col legno (playing with the wood of the bow). The piece begins with a slow, mournful melody played in the lower register of the viola. The melody is then repeated in the higher register, with the viola player using harmonics to create a haunting, ethereal sound. The middle section of the piece is more rhythmic and energetic, with the viola player using pizzicato (plucking the strings) and col legno to create percussive effects. The piece ends with a return to the slow, mournful melody, played in the lower register of the viola. Overall, Ana Sokolovic's 'Prélude for viola' is a challenging and innovative piece that showcases the versatility of the viola as an instrument. The use of extended techniques and unconventional playing methods creates a unique and haunting sound that is both beautiful and unsettling.

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