Written as a viola quartet with a suggested minimum of 3 1st, 3 2nd, 2 3rd, and 2 4th violas for proper divisi.
ASTA Grading
Movement 1 (3:80)
Viola 1
5.5
Viola 2
5.5
Viola 3
5.5
Viola 4
3.5
Viola 5
3.5
Viola 6
3.5
Viola 7
3.0
Viola 8
3.0
Viola 9
3.5
Viola 10
3.5
Composer:
Stuen-Walker, Elizabeth
Title:
Purple Rhapsody
Publisher:
Summy-Birchard Music
Voices:
3
Movements:
1
Duration:
4.25
4:15
Original Work:
Yes
Notes:
Violas in Concert Vol. 1. Very accessible original work in three sections. Requires developed vibrato and sound and includes some treble clef. Section one is a slow chorale led mostly by the first viola, section two is in 7/8 meter and includes syncopated rhythms that can be difficult for some students unfamiliar with the meter. Section three is a slow coda similar to the first. Can be effective with parts doubled. Parts 1 and 2 also published in treble clef for violinists or violists working on treble clef reading.
ASTA Grading
Movement 1 (4:15)
Viola 1
4.0
Viola 2
4.0
Viola 3
4.0
Composer:
Tallis, Thomas
Dates:
1505–1585
Title:
Fantasy
Arranger:
Ross Cohen (Sancho Engaño)
Publisher:
Absolute Zero Viola Quartet
Voices:
3
Movements:
1
Duration:
1.25
1:15
Original Work:
No
Notes:
The third part does not leave 1st position and is much simpler rhythmically than the other two parts. The work is in 3/2, which is the reason for the 3 grade level for part 3.
ASTA Grading
Movement 1 (1:15)
Viola 1
3.0
Viola 2
3.0
Viola 3
3.0
Composer:
Tartini, Giuseppe
Dates:
1692–1770
Title:
Adagio cantabile
Arranger:
Ross Cohen
Publisher:
Absolute Zero Viola Quartet
Voices:
4
Movements:
1
Duration:
3
3:00
Original Work:
No
ASTA Grading
Movement 1 (3:00)
Viola 1
4.0
Viola 2
3.0
Viola 3
3.0
Viola 4
2.5
Composer:
Tchaikovsky, Alexander
Dates:
1946–
Title:
Mournful Pavane for 5 Violas(Traurige Pavane für 5 Violen)
Publisher:
Sikorski 2339
Voices:
5
Movements:
1
Original Work:
Yes
Composition Date:
1988
Notes:
Slow texture changes. Extended passage of artificial harmonics in viola 1 along with extended 5th+ position passages. Requires great bow control and ability to make phrases over long sustained notes.
ASTA Grading
Movement 1
Viola 1
5.5
Viola 2
5.0
Viola 3
5.0
Viola 4
4.0
Viola 5
4.0
Composer:
Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Il'yich
Dates:
1840–1893
Title:
Aveu Passioné
Arranger:
Ross Cohen
Publisher:
Absolute Zero Viola Quartet
Voices:
4
Movements:
1
Duration:
4
4:00
Original Work:
No
ASTA Grading
Movement 1 (4:00)
Viola 1
4.0
Viola 2
4.0
Viola 3
4.0
Viola 4
4.0
Composer:
Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Il'yich
Dates:
1840–1893
Title:
Barcarolle
Arranger:
Ross Cohen
Publisher:
Absolute Zero Viola Quartet
Voices:
4
Movements:
1
Duration:
6.5
6:3
Original Work:
No
ASTA Grading
Movement 1 (6:3)
Viola 1
4.0
Viola 2
3.5
Viola 3
3.0
Viola 4
3.0
Composer:
Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Il'yich
Dates:
1840–1893
Title:
Suite for Viola Quartet from Op.37a
Arranger:
Ross Cohen
Publisher:
Absolute Zero Viola Quartet
Voices:
4
Movements:
4
Duration:
13.116666666667
13:70
Original Work:
No
Notes:
I. Autumn Song;
II. Lily of the Valley;
III. Barcarole;
IV. Carnival.