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. 1 makes use of the full range of the instrument, giving scope for both tone production and dexterity. The second movement provides a break between the more difficult first and third movements. The third movement is the most difficult technically and is more rhythmic in character than the other movements and calls for some bravura, although it ends quietly and gently. For secondary schools, colleges, conservatories and professionals.

Review: "Norman Kent is a professional violist as well as a composer, and in these attractive short sonatinas it really shows. The composer manages to write with individuality and the music displays charm and sensitivity, particularly in the slow movements. All of the movements are extremely well crafted and the structure is well handled without being too long. The pieces are tonal and contain beautiful and well-arched melodies using sequences and rhythmic motifs. Eminently suitable for the advanced enthusiastic teenage violist. The parts are simply and well printed and represent very good value for money." – Julian Shaw in Music Teacher July 2008

Biography

Kent, Norman

Norman Kent studied at the Royal College of Music, London, studying viola with John Dyer and harmony and composition with Herbert Howells. Norman joined the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at age 20 and was rapidly promoted to the front of the section. He joined the B.B.C. Symphony Orchestra in 1960 and held the second desk position for 26 years. Norman continued playing and touring with other orchestras performing in some 25 different countries. Solo performances with orchestra include the Telemann Concerto and the two Max Bruch Romances, and recitals have included the Paganini Viola Sonata, Wieniawski's Reverie and of course his own Sonatinas. Later in life Norman stopped playing the viola but until his death amused himself playing and writing for the organ.