Norman Kent – Sonatina No. 2 (Viola & Piano)

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.

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.