Sparrow Live Presents: Works for Solo Viola from 3 Continents - Jessica Cooper in Recital

This program explores the diversity of music that can be made by the solo viola, the string instrument whose range most closely matches the human voice. While many musicians joke about violists being the ugly ducklings of the orchestra family, violists know that once new listeners take the time to get to know the rich diversity of our solo repertoire, they will instantly fall in love! There is heavy influence from folk and popular music genres in this program, from rustic Argentinian dance music in the Zalcman, to jazz, swing, and even cartoon-inspired melodies in the Grant, to festive European baroque dance tunes in the Bach. Persichetti’s piece shines in its own way, exploring every corner of the viola, from soulful song in the bottom of the instrument’s register, to eerie harmonic cries near the top, to percussive bow attacks reminiscent of heartbeats. While these pieces were composed across three continents and about 300 years, they all speak to shared emotions of the human experience, from loss and sadness, to love and celebration, all while showcasing the beautiful and versatile human-like voice of the viola.

Program

"Stuff"                                                                                                                                                                       James Grant 

"Suite No. 4, BWV 1010"                                                                                                                                               J.S. Bach       

Prélude       

Allemande       

Courante       

Sarabande       

Bourrée I-II       

Gigue  

Intermission

"Parable for Solo Viola (Parable XVI), Op. 130"                                                                                                 Vincent Persichetti 

"Suite para viola op.113 sobre ritmos folcloricos argentinos"                                                                  Guillermo Jorge Zalcman

IV. Con espíritu criollo