Piano,Viola - Level 4 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1032818
Composed by Daniell Mattern. Contemporary. Score and part. 58 pages. Daniell Mattern #5721229. Published by Daniell Mattern (A0.1032818).
Sonata in a Simple Scale for Viola and Piano
The Simple Scale of the title is a series of alternating whole steps and half steps. There are three versions; any particular note will belong to two of the three. Thus, the two scales that include C go up either a whole step from C (C D Eb F F#…) or a half step (C C# D# E F#…); the third scale excludes C entirely (B C# D E F…). These scales allow for a variety of melodies, which often take on a modal character, and familiar chords, including major, minor, and diminished.
Although the scale is simple, the Sonata is not for elementary players. The viola range goes to the C two octaves above middle C and there are occasional double and triple stops and stopped harmonics, and frequent meter changes. Also, the unusual scale does not fit the standard fingering patterns for either instrument. That said, the sonata is intended to be enjoyable for proficient, rather than virtuosic, players.
In the introduction to the Sonata-Allegro movement, the viola explores motives and intervals, with subtle embellishment from the piano. These phrases build to a three-octave descending presentation of the simple scale; a trill then leads into the main theme. The piano sets up a jaunty accompaniment pattern, over which the viola plays the theme in measure-long segments. The second theme is a long, legato line in the viola that spans two octaves. The viola then sets up a two-measure ostinato, joined by a lumbering piano bass, before the piano treble floats on top with a melancholy closing theme. The development section plays mostly with the main theme, shifting meters as the two instruments engage in dialog. A bridging trill takes us into the recapitulation, but now the viola plays the jaunty accompaniment pattern, and the piano has the main theme. After the return of the second theme, varied in its accompaniment, the piano presents the ostinato of the closing theme, and the viola takes the melody, leading to a quiet and playful finish.
In the second movement (Song), the piano begins a slow, rather dark theme, joined by the viola, and ending in a rising question that leads into the second section. Presented simply by the viola, this lilting 7/8 theme has a folk-song quality. It is repeated and embellished several times before the first theme returns, ending in a loud and angry exclamation.
The Scherzo is a 6/8 whirlwind. The viola presents rapid repeated notes punctuated with three rising or falling notes; the piano enters gradually until both are giving a forceful statement. In the middle section, the viola sets up a whirling pattern with a drone, while the piano plays a dark version of the closing theme from the first movement. The first theme returns and the movement gallops to a rapid finish.
The Rondo begins with an introduction that explores octaves and trills, leading into the main theme, with slightly dissonant 4/4 viola measures alternating with 7/8 answers in the piano. Bridging measures in 5/8 take us into a relaxed, waltz-like interlude of solo viola. A fast section with a touch of fugato follows, with the main theme presented in diminution by the viola at the end. This leads into a second interlude, this one exploring octaves, trills, and clusters in unmetered fragments that the instrumentalists play at their own tempos. The viola then emerges with a confident new theme, joined after a while by the piano. The main theme then returns in a rollicking 3/4 version that brings the piece to a close.
