Originally commissioned by the International Max Rostal competition in Berlin for solo violin, Martin Bresnick's, Josephine (the Singer) is now also available for solo viola. The piece takes its title from Franz Kafka's last published story Josephine the Singer or the Mouse Folk and is an extended passacaglia on a subject derived from his earlier work, Songs of the Mouse People. Violist, composer, and educator Anne Lanzilotti has edited this version for viola to add this beautifully somber work to the instrument's repertoire. |