• To download the piano/viola score click here
• To download the viola part click here
• To listen to the composition click here

Composed in a variety of places all over the world, this is truly an international romance. Begun in the spring of 2001 in Paris, composition continued in Texas, Chicago and Italy before completing the score back home in Virginia. It was composed for Eva Stern and Joel Schoenhals.

A one movement work in a slow tempo, Romance combines two traditional forms. A sonata form is overlaid on top of a passacaglia. The passacaglia is comprised of an eight measure ascending bass line that continues throughout the composition. Unlike a traditional passacaglia, each iteration of the ground bass moves down a half step, in seeming opposition to the rising nature of the bass melody. On top of this there is a sonata form.

The first theme is presented by the viola after a brief piano introduction. It enters almost apologetically, wistfully presenting its melody. A more lyrical second theme follows a short piano transition. A development of the motives follows next before the return of both themes. The viola then takes up the material from the piano introduction as the romance quietly fades into bliss.

Romance is my first composition to feature the viola as a solo instrument. I've always loved the rich sound of the viola and was thrilled to have the opportunity to write a piece for this noble instrument and for such fine musicians. The composition plays on a romance between the instruments, fittingly for a pair of performers who are married to one another.