Atar Arad, a viola professor and composer, describes his viola caprices as 'thank you notes to composers who graced us with great viola pieces.'
Compositional Technique
Atar Arad's Caprice Four (George) for viola solo includes a musical reference to George Rochberg by setting the caprice almost entirely on the G string of the viola.
Composition History
Shulamit Ran's Perfect Storm for viola solo was commissioned by violist Melia Watras with the idea of creating a work that alluded to an existing viola repertoire piece.
Composition History
Luciano Berio's Black is the color… from his Folk Songs cycle, features traditional lyrics with a melody written by Kentucky folk singer and composer John Jacob Niles.
Composer Biography
George Rochberg, an American composer, transitioned from serialism to a more personal, Neo-Romantic style after the tragic death of his son in the mid-1960s.
Album & Artwork
The album title 'Ispirare' (meaning 'to inspire') reflects its concept of presenting contemporary viola music alongside pieces that inspired their creation.
Performer Biography
Violist Melia Watras, praised as 'an artist of commanding and poetic personality' by Gramophone, has commissioned, premiered, and recorded numerous new compositions.
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