Judith Shatin

Viola and Marimba

Composer's Note:

The Piedmont Duo’s unique combination of viola and marimba inspired the title Mariola, which both suggests the instruments’ names and refers to a hardy shrub that grows in the Southwest of the US and can handle extremely dry conditions. It overcomes them to blossom in the summer with delicate white flowers. This provides a rich metaphor for the compositional process, from pushing ideas into shape to their gradual flourishing. Likewise, it embodies the interpretive process, growing from the study and practice that gradually brings performance to fruition. The piece begins with the intensity of seeds taking root and growing. The harmonic substrate gradually changes, ultimately rising a major second as the plans reach the light, culminating in an upwards vanishing. I am delighted by my colleagues and dear friends Ay Balija (viola) and I-Jen Fang (percussion) the founders of the innovative Piedmont Duo, not only commissioned this piece, but also enthusiastically collaborated in exploring the marvelous range of their instruments. I am also grateful for the support of this project by the University of Virginia, through the Institute of the Humanities & Global Cultures, and UVA Arts Enhancement.