Four Pieces for Viola: I

The first piece in this set owes much to the varying forms of traditional Japanese theatre, namely Kabuki (歌舞伎) and Noh (能). The work makes use of the varying colours of the Viola while adding a certain dramatic element via its sudden contrast and its spaciousness.
Richard Pilgrim in Japan in Traditional and Postmodern Perspectives explains the purpose of these ‘spaces’, which frequently occurs in traditional Japanese art as part of a Religio-Aesthetic
Paradigm: “This negative space/time is therefore anything but a mere nothing awaiting the positive space/time; it is a pregnant nothingness that is ‘never unsubstantial or uncreative. … it glows with spiritual power, meaning, and attraction, just as a light shining through the gate…” (59).
This element of spaciousness and the accompanying unfolding throughout this piece are not to be taken lightly, but instead savoured.
The piece should be performed with the utmost freedom and flexibility with regards to the timing or pacing. Gestures should be spontaneous and surprising—even to the performer—whenever possible.

Four Pieces For Viola - I

Chris Healey - Composer