For Bob. arranged for Viola and Piano. First performed by Elisabeth Smalt and Kevin Volans London 2016. Composers Note: I have no idea where this piece came from and how it is structured. But beforeand after I wrote it I was nagged by the question: what does the Viola have to do with the Piano Did this combination evolve by unfortunate accident The Viola was perfected in the 18th century. Its naturalmétier is (private) chamber music. The Piano on the other hand kept growing and blossomed in the 19th century as the ultimate public instrument. If the piano is to play with the Viola it has to rein back its power and poseas an accompanist. Maybe a third instrument perhaps from the 20th century is needed to mediate between these two very different sound worlds. So when we play this ‘trio’ with 2 instruments I invitethe listener to mentally add the silent part(ner). - Kevin Volans
