Music by Michael Kimber
“As a violist who also composes, I’m naturally inclined to write music
that I will enjoy playing. Sounding ‘contemporary’ is not my goal; my
‘style’ depends upon the kind of music I’m writing. I find particular
inspiration in writing music evocative of other times and places, and every
time and place suggests its own unique style. Most importantly, I want my
music to communicate—to enable the performer to enjoy communicating
and the listener to take pleasure in experiencing—a broad range of emotions.
Music is not only to be heard; it is also to be felt.”
—Michael Kimber
Michael Kimber is a 2010 recipient of the
American Viola Society’s Founders Award
in recognition of his compositions for viola.
NOTICE OF NEW PRICES, effective May 21, 2012:
Some prices are unchanged, some have gone up, others have gone down.
SEE and HEAR two of Kimber’s most popular pieces on YouTube!
La Folia variations performed by the UMass Viola Ensemble,
directed by violist Kathryn Lockwood.
(Score and parts for Kimber’s La Folia can soon be purchased from
Tempo Press.)
Fantasía Hispana performed in 2008 by violist Sean Dostal with
the West H.S. Orchestra of Iowa City, Wayne Thelander, conductor.
Sean, a graduate of West H.S. and a former student of Michael Kimber,
now studies viola at Luther College with Spencer Martin.
___________________________________________________________
NOW AVAILABLE: The revised, expanded 4th edition of
Scales, Arpeggios, and Double Stops for the Violist.
View details.
NEW!
a 12-minute Concertino for viola solo and string orchestra
or piano accompaniment, in 3 movements with a cadenza,
suitable for a student playing at the level of Suzuki Vol. 5.
See details below under SOLO WITH ACCOMPANIMENT.
___________________________________________________________
To order any of the items listed below, and to find out about
any special offers, please see HOW TO ORDER, or simply
place your order by e-mailing kimbermichael@qwest.net.
(CAUTION: That’s qwest spelled with a Q and a W.
Please include $2.00 shipping for the first item and 25 cents per additional item
for mailing within the U.S. and Canada. If ordering from other countries,
please inquire about shipping rates and options.
___________________________________________________________
Please click on any underlined title below for a glimpse of the music.
If you get a blank screen, scroll down to make the music appear.
You can now HEAR audio files of some selections, too!
Except as noted, you will hear the composer playing viola,
either as soloist or as ensemble member.
___________________________________________________________
SOLO MUSIC (unaccompanied)
Twelve Caprices for solo viola** $8.00
Twelve Caprices for solo violin** $8.00
one caprice in each parallel major/minor key; brilliant,
technically challenging, musically appealing bravura
romantic style; positions 1-9; total duration c. 30 mins.
HEAR Caprice in D for solo viola.
HEAR Caprice in A flat for solo viola.
Sonata (1997) for solo viola $5.00
a dramatic Prelude, jazzy Fugue, impassioned Nocturne,
and ear-bending Presto; very high positions; duration 10 mins.
HEAR the first movement of Sonata (1997).
Echoes of Greece (2006) for solo viola $4.00
Exotic scales and folk-like rhythms combine to give a
“Mediterranean” flavor to this piece, which begins quietly and
accelerates to an exciting conclusion (opah!); positions 1-5;
duration 5-6 mins.
Emerald Isle (2004) for solo viola $5.00
Violist Patricia McCarty describes it as “evocative of
Ireland and Irish fiddling” and “a wonderful addition to
our unaccompanied repertoire and to what is becoming a
virtual world tour through Michael’s solo pieces inspired
by the music of other cultures.” Positions 1-11; duration
8-9 mins.
HEAR excerpts of Emerald Isle
from Patricia McCarty’s premiere of the work in Boston.
Three Armenian Impressions (2002) for solo viola $5.00
Gisherayin Yerazhtutiun (Night Music), Aghachang
(Supplication) and Tonakatarutiun (Celebration),
inspired by the colorful scales and hypnotic rhythms
of music associated with Armenia; positions 1-10;
duration 8 mins.
HEAR the first movement of Three Armenian Impressions.
Three Armenian Impressions is also available as a trio
for oboe, clarinet, and viola. (See under ENSEMBLE MUSIC below.)
Monolog i Krakowiak (2000) for solo viola $4.00
(also available for solo alto saxophone)
a contemplative, lyrical soliloquy and a lively
Krakovian dance in the spirit of Polish folk music;
originally for alto saxophone, but composed with
viola in hand; positions 1-7; duration c. 8 mins.
HEAR the first movement of Monolog i Krakowiak for solo viola.
Monolog i Krakowiak is also available in a stunning duet version,
Dialog i Krakowiak. (See under ENSEMBLE MUSIC below.)
Comet: Reflections on a Celestial Voyager for solo viola $4.00
a solo viola voyage through space inspired by the 1986
return of Halley’s Comet; atonal pitch relations,
irregular meters; positions 1-9; duration 10 mins.
HEAR excerpts from Comet.
___________________________________________________________
SOLO - Pedagogical, Music Mostly for Students
Scales, Arpeggios, and Double Stops for the Violist (4th edition) $16.00*
*If you have purchased the 3rd edition of Scales... for the Violist since January 2010,
you can purchase the new 4th edition for only $12.00 (plus $2.00 shipping).
This easy-to-use coil-bound edition is revised and expanded to include:
- preparatory two-octave scales and arpeggios and selected double stops
(intended to replace the old Supplement to the 3rd edition),
- optimized fingerings for the three-octave scales and arpeggios, and
- an extended selection of other scales (whole tone, octatonic, pentatonic, modal).
View details of changes in the 4th edition. (If this link does not work, type
http://m_kimber.tripod.com/vlascales-4th-ed-changes.html into your browser.)
NOTE: The 3rd edition will still be available for $10 by special request for a limited time.
Scales, Arpeggios, and Double Stops for Violinists $10.00
A violin transcription of Scales... for the Violist (old 3rd edition).
View a sample left page of the violin scale book.
View a sample right page.
Concurrent purchase of the following is highly recommended:
Supplement to Scales... for Violinists $2.00
Preparatory two-octave scales and arpeggios and selected double stops, from
the new Scales, Arpeggios, and Double Stops for the Violist (4th edition).
Six Etude-Caprices for viola solo $5.00
Six Etude-Caprices for violin solo $5.00
attractive, contrasting character pieces for
moderately advanced players (positions 1-4)
Four Harmonious Etudes for viola solo $4.00
Focusing on smooth string crossings, relationship of fingers
in chord playing, and harmonic listening, these etudes are
appropriate for the moderately advanced player.
Four Harmonious Etudes for violin solo $4.00
Four Melodious Etudes for viola solo $4.00
Focusing on fluid shifting and string crossings, expressive use
of the bow, and coordination of vibrato with dynamic nuance,
these etudes are appropriate for the moderately advanced player.
Four Melodious Etudes for violin solo $4.00
Three Double-Stop Caprices for viola solo $3.00
Three Double-Stop Caprices for violin solo $3.00
melodious pieces that can make double-stop practice
enjoyable; an explanation of double-stop intonation
is included (positions 1-4)
Ten Pieces in Five and a Half Positions (mostly) for viola solo $5.00
melodious and rhythmic music with plenty of shifting
and emphasis on the oft-neglected even-numbered positions.
(positions half through 5th and occasionally beyond)
Eight Studies for viola solo $5.00
Also available (and recommended) with accompaniment of a 2nd viola as:
Eight Studies for viola solo $8.00
finger exercises and short character pieces employing
double stops and various bowing styles; positions half through 5th
Three Bagatelles for solo viola $3.00
short studies in 20th-century styles (whole tone,
atonal, and quartal pitch relations); positions 1-4
___________________________________________________________
SOLO WITH ACCOMPANIMENT
Concertino for viola solo and string orchestra $35.00
[Price includes full score, solo part, and 3/3/2/3/2 strings;
extra parts $1.50 each. Please buy; don’t copy!]
An appealing 3-movement work for students at Suzuki Vol. 5 level,
composed in 2010 and premiered in Montreal in spring 2011.
Energetic outer movements, lyrical slow movement, cadenza.
Positions 1-7 (solo), positions 1-3 (orch.); 12 mins.
View:
first half of first movement
second movement
cadenza that begins 3rd mvt.
rest of 3rd movement
HEAR a rehearsal recording of each movement:
Vif, mais pas trop vite
Lent et triste
Fantaisie (cadenza) - Vif
Concertino for viola and piano $15.00
This music can be performed effectively
with piano accompaniment, too.
Evocations for viola solo and string orchestra $45.00
[Price includes full score, solo part, and 4/4/3/4/2 strings;
extra parts $2.00 each. Please buy; don’t copy!]
a major solo work in three movements: Rhapsodically, Dreamily, Driving;
positions 1-10; 16 minutes
View other sample pages (you may have to scroll to bring music into view):
2nd movement
3rd movement
Piano score (for study purposes) and solo part available for $20.00.
HEAR excerpts from the premiere of Evocations, violist Christine Rutledge
with the Iowa City Community String Orchestra, Carey Bostian, conductor:
Rhapsodically
Dreamily
Driving
Fantasía Hispana for viola solo and string orchestra $22.00*
[Price includes full score, solo part, and 3/3/2/3/2 strings;
extra parts only $1.00 each. Please buy; don’t copy!]
Fantasía Hispana (pronounced fan-ta-SEE-a ee-SPAH-na),
a very popular and widely performed piece for solo viola;
inspired by the captivating rhythms and evocative
harmonies of music of Spanish-speaking peoples;
positions 1-7 (solo), pos. 1-3 (orch.); 6-7 minutes
Fantasía Hispana for viola and piano $12.00*
*While you don’t need an orchestra to play this
popular piece, you can get a CD of a computer
simulation of the string orchestra accompaniment
of Fantasía Hispana for an additional $2.00.
HEAR excerpts of the accompaniment.
HEAR excerpts from Fantasía Hispana (viola & piano).
Two Pieces in Spanish Style for viola and piano $3.00
Fans of Fantasía Hispana (and there are many) may also enjoy
this enchanting and easier-to-play musical excursion to Spain.
HEAR Two Pieces in Spanish Style.
Also available for VIOLIN and piano $3.00
The Dove for viola and piano $3.00
The Dove for violas, two pianos, and strings $5.00
The violas were not featured in Saint-Saens's Carnival of the Animals,
but now they can be! Could the gentle dove become for violists what
"The Swan" is for cellists? It's up to you!! positions 1-3; 3 minutes
HEAR a computer simulation of The Dove.
Variations on Amazing Grace for viola and piano $4.00
suitable for violists playing at the level of the Telemann Concerto;
variations involve eighth notes, triplets, and sixteenth notes;
positions 1-3; 4 minutes
Also available for VIOLIN and piano and CELLO and piano.
Simple Gifts for viola and piano $3.00
suitable for violists playing at the level of the Telemann Concerto;
positions 1-3; 3 minutes
Also available for VIOLIN and piano and CELLO and piano.
Swallowtail Jig for viola and piano $2.00
a favorite traditional fiddle tune in an easy and fun setting for viola;
suitable for violists just learning 3rd position;
1 - 1-1/2 minutes (depending on the tempo taken!)
Also available for VIOLIN and piano and CELLO and piano.
HEAR a computer simulation of Swallowtail Jig.
___________________________________________________________
ENSEMBLE MUSIC
Dancing Viola! for viola quartet $5.00
a delightful set of three short pieces composed in 2011
for the Dancing Viola ensemble of Seoul, South Korea;
positions 1-3; duration c. 6 minutes
HEAR (computer simulations):
Dancing Dawn
Dancing Day
Dancing Dreams
Three Armenian Impressions for oboe, clarinet, and viola $10.00
a beautiful trio version of the original viola solo
(see above for more information).
HEAR Night Music from Three Armenian Impressions.
Dialog i Krakowiak for two violas $5.00
(also available in the original sax/viola version)
a contemplative, lyrical dialogue and a lively
Krakovian dance in the spirit of Polish folk music;
a stunning duo based on the solo Monolog i Krakowiak
(see above); positions 1-7; duration c. 8 mins.
HEAR live performance excerpts by The Irrelevants
(Carrie Koffman, saxophone and Tim Deighton, viola) of
Dialog
Krakowiak
Four Canons for two violas $5.00
This was originally Three Canons; a 4th canon was added later.
Canons 1, 3, and 4 are twelve-tone; canon 2 is an homage to Hindemith;
plenty of tricky rhythms and chromatics to keep players alert!
positions 1-4; total duration 6 mins.
HEAR the premiere of three of the Four Canons performed in a
New York Viola Society recital by violists Daniel Avshalomov and Timothy Deighton:
Canon 1
Canon 2
original Canon 3 (now Canon 4)
Here is a computer simulation of the new Canon 3:
new Canon 3
A reviewer for Strad described these canons as “austere but brief.”
Do you agree?
Celebration Fanfare for string quartet or quintet $6.00
optional bass part enables performance by str. quintet or str. orchestra!
[Price includes full score and one set of parts.
Extra parts only 75¢ each; please buy—don’t copy!]
A brilliant, lively concert opener; great for children’s
or pops concerts, “serious” events, too; composed in 2003
for students at the Heartland Chamber Music Academy;
positions 1-3 (cello thumb position); duration 2 mins.
HEAR Celebration Fanfare (string quartet).
Adventure Overture for string orchestra $12.00
An exciting piece that will probably bring to mind film
music of John Williams (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, etc.);
playable by a good high school orchestra. Duration: 2:40
HEAR Adventure Overture performed here by the
internationally renowned MacFinale Electronic Ensemble!
Four Sketches
for string quartet $10.00
(price includes 4 copies of the full score)
for flute/violin, viola, and guitar $8.00
(price includes 3 copies of the full score)
Four short movements inspired by paintings of Monet, van Gogh,
Kandinsky, and Iowa’s own Grant Wood (American Gothic).
Duration 6 minutes.
HEAR Monet from Four Sketches (string quartet).
HEAR Kandinsky from Four Sketches (string quartet).
Suite in Baroque Style $4.00
a very popular item for intermediate players not yet ready
to play an entire Bach suite; prelude and six dance
movements, all playable in first position.
Please specify version(s) desired:
2 violas (in G)
2 violins (in D)
violin & viola (in D)
2 cellos (in G)
*NOTE: The solo versions of Suite in Baroque Style
have been discontinued; the upper part of each duet
version is exactly the same as the solo version and
may be played either alone or with the duet part.
Duo Sonata in Classical Style $3.00
Papa Haydn would approve! Four movements (sonata form,
theme & variations, minuet & trio, and rondo) full of
delightful melodies (mostly 3rd pos.) with interesting,
active accompaniment (all 1st position).
Please specify version(s) desired:
2 violas (in C major)
2 violins (in G)
violin & viola (in G)
A Few Ragtime Trios $7.00
In the spirit of Scott Joplin’s famous piano rags,
these trios can be played by three (or more) violists
(pos. 1-3). Since the upper parts are in treble clef,
violinists can also join the fun (with permission of
the violists, of course!).
Three Quirky Little Pieces for 4-part viola ensemble or string quartet $12.00
Three short movements: “Rambling Rag,” “Wandering
Waltz,” and “Misbehaving March.” Humorous!
First and third positions (some fifth pos. for first viola)
syncopated rhythms, chromatic scales, etc. Duration 7-8 minutes.
HEAR Misbehaving March from Three Quirky Little Pieces (string quartet).
Traveling Music for 4-part viola ensemble or string quartet $6.00
Three short movements: “moving along,” “quiet,
mysterious,” and “lively.” Great fun for all ages.
Playable in first position, uses all basic finger patterns,
syncopated rhythms. Duration 5-6 minutes.
HEAR the first movement of Traveling Music (string quartet).
(This recording has been played since 2006 as the theme music
for Iowa Public Radio’s “Symphonies of Iowa” broadcasts.)
Two Pieces in Spanish Style for 4-part viola ensemble $4.00
Fans of Fantasía Hispana (and there are many) may also enjoy
this enchanting and delightful musical excursion to Spain.
HEAR Two Pieces in Spanish Style.
Viola Fight Song for 4-part viola ensemble $5.00
In the vigorous style of a college athletics fight song, “VFS”
quotes seven best-loved themes from viola solo repertoire:
Berlioz Harold in Italy, Brahms Sonata in E-flat, Stamitz
Concerto in D, Telemann Concerto in G, Bartok Concerto,
J. C. Bach/Casadesus Concerto in C Minor, J. S. Bach Suite
No. 1 (Gigue). Also invites solo improvisation from the
performers. Sample page 4.
Two Viola Love Songs for 4-part viola ensemble $6.00
Two tender (some might say sappy) tunes for violists who really
love making beautiful music together!
HEAR
I Really Love to Play Viola
Lost Without My Beautiful Viola
played by the inimitable MacFinale Electronic Ensemble.
(Real violists could do it with a LOT more feeling!)
Violapalooza! for 4-part viola ensemble $3.00
(score and set of parts)
Planning your own Violapalooza? Or just getting together with
a few (or more) of your favorite violists for the sheer fun of it?
If so, you need appropriate music, and what could be better
than a viola quartet called Violapalooza! This lively little
piece will get everyone in the mood for a really good time.
HEAR Violapalooza!
performed flawlessly by the intergalactically famous
MacFinale Electronic Viola Ensemble!
Reflection for 3-part viola ensemble $5.00
[Price includes three copies, each containing
all three parts in score format.]
In memory of Francis Bundra, who taught viola
for many years at Interlochen and at the University
of Michigan; premiered at Interlochen in June 2001.
Serene and meditative in character; positions 1-5;
duration 5 mins.
HEAR an excerpt from Reflection performed
by the Penn State University Viola Ensemble
directed by Timothy Deighton.
___________________________________________________________
The following viola ensemble works of Michael Kimber
cannot be purchased directly from the composer.
These are published by Tempo Press and can be purchased
online through Luck’s Music Library.
La Folia variations for 4-part viola ensemble (Luck’s catalog # 240-6601)
Festival Overture for 6-part viola ensemble (Luck’s catalog # 260-6600)
Country Club (a Scott Joplin rag) arr. for 4 violas (Luck’s catalog # 240-6600)
**Listed in vol. 1 of the 1997 ASTA String Syllabus
___________________________________________________________
To order any of the items listed above (except the three from
Tempo Press/Luck’s Music Library), and to find out about any
special offers, please see HOW TO ORDER, or simply
place your order by e-mailing kimbermichael@qwest.net.
(Remember: That’s qwest with a Q and a W.)
Retail music dealers: please inquire about wholesale cost of items above.
Please don’t forget to have a look at the very popular poly-pad
shoulder rest for violin and viola.
RETURN to Michael Kimber’s Viola Homepage
Updated May 21, 2012