Viola Solo (2011) was requested by Mel Goldfinger, who was a classmate of mine and fellow graduate of Rutherford High School. Doctor Goldfinger is a Professor of Neuroscience at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and is active as a player in several local ensembles. He has always been a supporter of my music and it is with much pleasure, gratitude and respect that I dedicate this work to him. In one movement, which lasts approximately 3 1/2 minutes, the Viola Solo, like other works of mine, is inspired by both classical works and elements of the popular culture. The entire work seems to arise out of a single minor third, the pitches C and E-Flat, which are stated at the beginning of the piece in the instrument's lowest register and then recur several times more throughout the work, each initiating a rising phrase. Sul ponticello tremolos and "snap" pizzicati (a la Bartok) are also features of the piece, adding to the work's palette of colors. Overall, the piece's mood is a somber one, and it concludes with the final instance of the work's opening minor third. -David Saperstein.
