Lochalsh for solo violin
Composer: David Heath
Catalogue no: CM267 | ISMN M-57034-267-9
Lochalsh was written for and dedicated to violinist Clio Gould who premiered it in Scotland in 1995. Lochalsh is a Celtic virtuosic fantasy that can be performed solo or with string orchestra. It has been performed and recorded by, amongst others, Ittai Shapira and Greg Lawson. In 1993 Heath was sitting on the Skye ferry in Scotland when it suddenly occurred to him that he could compose a work combining the styles of Scots fiddler Aly Bain and John Coltrane using the rhythms and harmonies of Celtic and John Coltrane's music and gradually extending them into a virtuoso fantasy for solo violin.
Solo Violin
Lochalsh comes across as a contemporary ‘take’ on Celtic fiddle music. It is very imaginative and fun to play. The work can be described as a fast and jazzy gigue but it is rather more than that with its chromatic harmonies. On occasions, the piece ventures into the upper register of the violin. The various sections get faster in tempo; however they are interrupted by a slow, free, lyrical and rhapsodic section.
The coda includes repetitive fourths and fifths and is very effective. David Heath writes in the introduction: “In 1993 I was in the Kyle of Lochalsh (Scotland) waiting for the ferry to Skye, when I had the idea of writing a piece for solo violin, combining the rhythms of traditional Celtic music and the harmonies of John Coltrane – gradually extending them into a virtuoso fantasy.” Heath has achieved his idea with great success. Written for Clio Gould in 1995, it is approximately 7th to 8th grade AMEB standard. The music is continuous over four pages making the page turn impossible but performers and audiences will enjoy the piece very much.
Andrew Lorenz - AUSTA Stringendo
Ittai Shapira
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