Norman Kent – Sonatina No. 1 (Viola & Piano) – Digital Download

Norman expanded the woefully small viola repertoire by composing two Sonatinas for Viola and Piano to play in recitals with his brother - they are both tuneful works that are easy to listen to, while at the same time providing some technical problems for the player, which may commend them to proficient students and also for use in recitals. The first movement of Sonatina No. 2 is less demanding technically than that of the first sonatina, being more about phrasing and tone production. The player needs to be very aware of what is coming later, so as to grade the dynamics adequately. The second movement gives the opportunity to concentrate on making a beautiful sound and grading the dynamics with care. The viola starts the third movement on its own with the fugue subject, and so needs to be played with confidence as the way the music skips from string to string can be daunting. It is quite a difficult movement to bring off, but very satisfying nonetheless. For secondary schools, colleges, conservatories and professionals.

This is the first piece in Terry Johns Blue series for solo string instruments and piano. Written in a highly accessible blues idiom, and first performed by Michael Beaston at the Twelfth Annual International Viola Congress in Glasgow. The piece might be said to evoke the stillness when all is quiet and the clock strikes 12! This piece was a Guildhall School of Music and Drama Grade 7 exam piece between 2001 and 2004 and was also a Trinity College of Music grade 5 exam piece between 2003 and 2006.