Variations for Solo Viola (1995)

Solo viola  Walter Mony

The work is cast in the venerable form of a passacaglia.  The realization of the compositional processes in the variations pose prodigious technical problems for the viola of complex fingerings, multiple stoppings, athletic stretches, ventures into high registers and convoluted string crossings.  This is not a viola joke!  The  harmonic context is Rollin’s unique blend of extended tonality and coruscating chromaticism.  The 29 measure theme sets a scene of solemnity and sense of immanence.  The variations which follow, project a variety of moods; graceful legato, military echoes, playful frolics in 7/8, volatile leaps into the stratosphere or mosquito register of the viola, a coquettish caprice in 5/8, theatrical affectation and back to graceful lyricism.   The final 4 measures close the proceedings with haunting harmonics leaving the fragrance of  numinousness.