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. |