Nico Muhly is a Brooklyn-based composer whose work spans concert music, opera, ballet, and film. His compositions are performed regularly by major orchestras and ensembles worldwide, and his output demonstrates a sophisticated command of both traditional harmonic language and contemporary extended techniques. Muhly's writing for acoustic instruments is notable for its clarity and accessibility paired with genuine harmonic and textural invention.
Why we love this
Muhly writes idiomatic music that respects the viola's expressive range without resorting to empty pyrotechnics. The piece balances moments of introspection with propulsive rhythmic energy, giving performers something genuinely engaging to sink their teeth into across its eight pages.
What to expect
The piece unfolds with quiet intensity, its title anchoring the listener to moments of sustained harmonic stasis before moving into more animated sections. There is a contemplative quality throughout, marked by careful attention to color and long-line phrasing rather than dramatic gestures.
Who it's for
Advanced high school and college violists seeking contemporary solo repertoire that sits comfortably on the instrument without demanding extreme virtuosity. This work appeals to performers ready to engage with modern harmonic language and subtle structural thinking.
How to get the most out of it
Lean into the resonance of the drone material in the piano; resist the urge to fill silence or rush between phrases.
Let the viola line breathe independently of the accompaniment, even when the piano texture feels busy underneath.
Pay attention to dynamic contours rather than static volume levels. Muhly's marking changes reward the player who tracks them closely.
Balance clarity of the melodic line with tonal warmth. This piece rewards a mature, well-supported tone rather than a thin or brittle sound.
How to use it
Pair this with other modern chamber works on a recital or concert to demonstrate how contemporary composers approach the viola. It also works well as an encore or as part of a series exploring different approaches to the viola/piano combination across centuries.
Skills your students will build
reading contemporary harmonic language and extended notational practices
sustaining tone and line through sparse accompaniment
balancing independence from the piano while maintaining ensemble cohesion
shaping long phrases without relying on traditional melodic gestures
dynamic control and subtle tonal color changes
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