Just what you would expect from a piece with this title – an exciting slow introduction with tremolo accompaniment and then a lively section with fast and furious semiquavers. Syncopated rhythms abound. All parts get the tune at various points.
Viola 1 has some treble clef. Viola 3 and 4 are probably slightly easier than Grade 6.
ViolaFest Volume 2 has many more trios and quartets for viola ensemble or a mixed violin and viola group.
A very effective piece for intermediate bass players. Some of the passage work is tricky and will require focused practice. The contrasting middle section is less virtuosic but still has moments of fast scales and arpeggio figures. Orchestral parts available.
Scherzo has a ternary fast-slow-fast form. The outer fast sections are ideal for developing the co-ordination required for fast passage work. The middle section is equally good for showing off a developing vibrato and cantabile sound. Range up to G above middle C.
Dog Tired has long phrases with a changing time signature though the pulse is always a crotchet. It will benefit from vibrato and sustained bows. There is a rall. in the middle and a glissando at the end. It goes up to 3rd position but could use 4th position on the D string depending on the chosen fingering.
The Great Tail Chase opens with an up bow crescendo followed by fast semiquavers which require good co-ordination. It goes up to 3rd position.
Dog’s Life is a very effective concert piece.
Perpetuo Mobile (<3 mins) is a good concert piece exploiting sautillé. It requires good right and left hand co-ordination. It goes up to 3rd/5th positions depending on the fingering.
A CD is available separately.
