Y Composer

July 29, 2010 at 3:44 AM

It has been several months since I started my Z-A composer goal. I've been working on a piece composed by Zelter for the past few months. It is much like Hoffmeister in style so was familiar in several ways. However after three months on Z, I deemed it time to move onto Y.

I first ordered a Sonata by Ysaye. However when it finally arrived I had to do a double take. I had never seen a piece before that was written in two staves for viola before (one in alto and one in treble clef to be played at the same time). I tried to play through the piece a few times at a greatly reduced tempo and decided that it should be put into my bucket list pile along with the Bartok and Walton Concertos - a piece that will be saved for my "By 60" goal.

I began the hunt once again for another Y composer and found Isang Yun who had written a piece for two violas called "Contemplation". Glissandos are used heavily and the piece is distinctively Asian in style. I was reminded of my time in the Asia-Pacific when I played through this piece for the first time. The rhythms and dynamics are unusual from a Western perspective, but quite traditional for the Asian region.

I'm looking forward to branching out into a new style of music, especially one with roots that I've experienced first hand.

From Alice Kowalski
Posted on July 29, 2010 at 1:36 PM

Thats an interesting challenge! I am VERY curious to know what you will do for a X composer...

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