Suite for Viola and Piano was inspired by the music of Sergei Prokofiev. I have always been fascinated by Prokofiev’s ability to juxtapose thorny textures with warm, cantabile melodies. I sought to emulate that juxtaposition in this piece. The piece starts off with a dramatic fanfare, the viola and piano both competing for the spotlight. Next, a brief yet haunting “Interlude” serves as a springboard into a giddy “Scherzo.” This is starkly contrasted by a poignant “Vocalise” for solo piano, the viola standing somberly in silence. Finally, things come to a thrilling close in the fiery “Conclusion”.
“The playful Suite For Viola and Piano has the pair illustrating a dynamic, collaborative appeal that’s both tense and bright in the Christopher Jessup original.”
