Let it 'B'

January 25, 2013 at 3:50 AM

It's been awhile since I wrote about my A-Z goal. Ironically, I found myself back to "B". I do not know why, but there is an inordinate number of great pieces written for viola by composers who's last names start with the letter B.

This "B" piece is in the Romantic/Modern era, York Bowen's Sonata No. 1. It is incredibly fun to play: just enough of a challenge for me without being overly so, but easy enough to sound musical after a mere week of study. I finally found a piece that I can really do something with.

Interestingly enough, it was recommended to my by my first private viola instructor I had back in the late 1970's who I just reconnected with after more than 30 years. My current teacher never studied the piece, but was interested to learn it along with me and seems to be having fun with it. My previous teacher in Oregon suggested that I find myself a pianist to study this piece more at Interlochen in the summer with one of the other coaches there who specializes in Bowen.

Amazing how dots connect over decades and miles.

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