Easley Blackwood's Second Viola Sonata, Op. 43, was commissioned by physicist and accomplished violinist-violist Prof. Ivan Sellin, who requested a style reminiscent of Bartók or Prokofieff.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Easley Blackwood, the composer, believes he writes in a variety of styles, similar to Béla Bartók and Igor Stravinsky, and is comfortable writing in almost any idiom.
Compositional Technique
The Second Viola Sonata, Op. 43, features an unusual key scheme where the first four movements ascend chromatically in their tonics (C-sharp minor, D major, E-flat minor, E major).
Performer Biography
Gary Stucka, the cellist on this album, has been a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1986 and was previously a member of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Recording & Production
Cedille Records, the label for this album, is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to promoting Chicago-area musicians and ensembles.
Performer Biography
Charles Pikler, the violinist and violist on this album, is the principal violist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and has served as guest principal viola for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Composer Biography
Easley Blackwood, the composer, is Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, where he taught for forty years.
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