Melody for Viola, Op.26

As a result of the request from @danishali903 to compose some music for solo viola, I have composed this ''Melody for Viola'' (Opus 26) today.
See for the post under Community > Repetoire >  CALL FOR SOLO VIOLA MUSIC

Bach's cello suites have heavily inspired me, as you can probably hear. I have never written for a solo string instrument before, so I hope that it is technically playable. If not, please tell me what and how to improve it.

To Danishali: 
Hopefully, this piece is suitable for your playing in the hospital. I wish you good luck and a lot of fun!

Feedback and sharing your opinions would make me very happy!

Kind regards,

Maarten Bauer

The piece sounds fine. But this is virtually unplayable. Unfortunately, there's no easy way to explain how to do it properly. The 4 strings are each a fifth apart and the hand itself can play a up to a fourth (maybe a bit more up on the high instrument) on one string. You have to figure out how everything fits in your hand properly. The very opening, for example, calls for a Bb on the G string, but the bottom voices move more in too large a span; this would be awkward if not masochistic to play.
It's not easy to understand, for sure, but good luck with orchestration!

7 hours ago, Monarcheon said:

The piece sounds fine. But this is virtually unplayable. Unfortunately, there's no easy way to explain how to do it properly. The 4 strings are each a fifth apart and the hand itself can play a up to a fourth (maybe a bit more up on the high instrument) on one string. You have to figure out how everything fits in your hand properly. The very opening, for example, calls for a Bb on the G string, but the bottom voices move more in too large a span; this would be awkward if not masochistic to play.
It's not easy to understand, for sure, but good luck with orchestration!

 

Thank you for your feedback.

I will look if I can make it playable. So the largest interval that can be played is a fourth?

You misunderstand. One one string, from the index finger to the pinky, the reach is generally a fourth to a fifth. Higher octaves can be reached by double stops of course and definitely should be written that way, you just need to think about the body of the instrument.

3 minutes ago, Monarcheon said:

You misunderstand. One one string, from the index finger to the pinky, the reach is generally a fourth to a fifth. Higher octaves can be reached by double stops of course and definitely should be written that way, you just need to think about the body of the instrument.

 

Thank you, I think I am getting it.

Let me see if I can help:

If you use your finger on one string (via two notes at the same time <double stop>), your stretch is limited ESPECIALLY in Eb. You have diatonic passages which can't be done.  Why? Your finger is being used on another string.  Don't understand? Hold your index finger on the table and move your other fingers. Yep, that's what you wrote. Now, perhaps if change the key and used an open string, you can get the effect you want.  I'm doing something like this on my dissertation and one of the next pieces I'll post in the next month. You have WAY MORE OPTIONS with an open string.  Even if you don't believe me, listen to @Monarcheon, a cellist!

7 hours ago, maestrowick said:

Let me see if I can help:

If you use your finger on one string (via two notes at the same time <double stop>), your stretch is limited ESPECIALLY in Eb. You have diatonic passages which can't be done.  Why? Your finger is being used on another string.  Don't understand? Hold your index finger on the table and move your other fingers. Yep, that's what you wrote. Now, perhaps if change the key and used an open string, you can get the effect you want.  I'm doing something like this on my dissertation and one of the next pieces I'll post in the next month. You have WAY MORE OPTIONS with an open string.  Even if you don't believe me, listen to @Monarcheon, a cellist!

 

Thank you very much for the explanation. I have just started learning more about orchestration with manuals. 

What you say, is very useful for me as a wind player.

You are talking about the double stops in the adagio part. Are the melodies playable in the allegro part?

I see nothing unplayable there.  Try to extend the harmonic language is a critique.  

Write a full suite!!!!  Matter a fact, how about separate the two and expand the adagio as a courante!

On 12-1-2017 at 10:21 PM, maestrowick said:

I see nothing unplayable there.  Try to extend the harmonic language is a critique.  

Write a full suite!!!!  Matter a fact, how about separate the two and expand the adagio as a courante!

 

Thank you for your post.

That's a great idea! I will certainly do that in future.