Sonata
for viola and piano
Op. 4 (2016)

This large-scale multi-movement work was written with my brother, Isak, in mind. This was my first large project working under Brooke Joyce at Luther, and I learned a great deal in this endeavor. Isak performed the first movement at Luther twice.

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The large first movement calls to mind the Russian masters Shostakovich and Prokofiev with its austere piano textures, chromaticism, and rhythmic layering. The second movement scherzo was inspired by a conversation I had with Brooke about what it might be like to live in an insane asylum.

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The slow third movement contains one of my favorite melodic figures I've written yet. The finale fourth movement explores virtuosic possibilities for the viola.

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Performances:

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Decorah IA, Nov 2014 (1st movement)

Decorah IA, Nov 2016 (1st movement)