Shimmer - Viola

Shimmer was commissioned by Metamorphosen for their premiere season in 1994-95 and recorded on their first CD. Strongly inspired by the energetic string music of Vivaldi, Shimmer uses imitative counterpoint as its basis. However, the harmony, rhythm and form is structured using a cyclical 10 note series instead of traditional tonality. The piece starts with a four part canon in mid-range, overlaid with two part counterpoint in the treble and bass. Undergoing constant variation, the music finally culminates in an extended passage of five voice counterpoint. After a brief recapitulation, it continues building to an energetic and percussive end. The name refers to the shimmering texture that is created through bowing, trilling and ornamentation. Duration: 12:00