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
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 variations can be purchased from
Fountain Park Music Publishing.)
Fantasía Hispana performed by violist Sean Dostal with the
West H.S. Orchestra of Iowa City, Wayne Thelander, conductor.
Sean is a 2008 graduate of West H.S. and a former student of Michael Kimber.
He now studies viola at Luther College with Spencer Martin.
THE 50-STATE CHALLENGE!
Thousands of copies of Michael Kimber’s music have been purchased
in 49 states, DC, and 15 foreign countries.
In only one state—Wyoming—have there been no purchases of
Kimber’s frequently performed music or popular (can you believe it?)
scale books.
If you live in Wyoming, you can purchase any of Kimber’s music—
as much as you wish—for half price! This offer is extended (again!),
through December 31, 2008. Mention “50-state challenge” when ordering.
You can buy a CD of Michael Kimber performing five of his own solo viola
works: Sonata (1997), Three Armenian Impressions, Monolog i Krakowiak,
Comet, and selections from Twelve Caprices—plus Fantasía Hispana for
viola and piano (orig. viola and string orchestra). This CD is from unedited
recordings of live performances in 2004. Only $10.00 plus $2.00 shipping.
HEAR a sample: the first movement of Sonata (1997).
BONUS: Buy a CD and get 10% off the price of any music by Kimber.
This offer extends through the end of 2008. Just mention “10% CD discount”
when placing your order. (May not be combined with any other offer.)
Please click on any underlined title below for a glimpse of the music.
NOTE: If you get a blank screen, scrolling should 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.
Kenneth Martinson has reviewed Kimber’s La Colombe (The Dove), Reflection,
and Evocations in the Summer 2008 Journal of the American Viola Society Online.
And for something completely different, listen to Kimber’s Adventure Overture
for string orchestra!
To order any item listed below, please see HOW TO ORDER,
or simply e-mail Dr. Kimber at kimbermichael@qwest.net.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to summer travels, there may occasionally be
delays in responding to orders. We apologize for any inconvenience.
SOLO MUSIC
Scales, Arpeggios, and Double Stops for the Violist** $9.00
one-octave and three-octave scales and arpeggios;
double-stop scales in thirds, sixths, and octaves;
facing-page layout conducive to practice; and more.
(Clicking on the title above will show you a sample
first page (scales and arpeggios).
To see a sample second page (double-stop scales
and more), click HERE.)
And by popular demand:
Supplement to Scales, Arpeggios, and Double Stops for the Violist $3.00
for intermediate players:
one-octave parallel major and minor scales and arpeggios
in lower, middle, and upper registers; fingering alternatives
offer experience playing in less familiar positions.
To see a sample page of arpeggios, click HERE.
Kimber’s famous viola scale book is now ALSO available for VIOLIN!
Scales, Arpeggios, and Double Stops for Violinists $9.00
one-octave and three-octave scales and arpeggios;
double-stop scales in thirds, sixths, octaves, tenths;
facing-page layout conducive to practice; and more.
(Clicking on the title above will show you a sample
first page (scales and arpeggios).
To see a sample second page (double-stop scales
and more), click HERE.)
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 $6.00
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 $5.00
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 $5.50
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 $5.50
(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 $5.00
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.
Three Bagatelles for solo viola $5.00
short studies in 20th-century styles (whole tone,
atonal, and quartal pitch relations); positions 1-4
Six Etude-Caprices for viola solo $5.50
Six Etude-Caprices for violin solo $5.50
attractive, contrasting character pieces for
moderately advanced players (positions 1-4)
Three Double-Stop Caprices for viola solo $5.50
Three Double-Stop Caprices for violin solo $5.50
melodious pieces that can make double-stop practice
enjoyable; an explanation of double-stop intonation
is included (positions 1-4)
SOLO WITH ACCOMPANIMENT
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 $18.00*
[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 $8.00*
*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).
The Dove for viola and piano $3.50
The Dove for violas, two pianos, and strings $8.50
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 $7.00
suitable for violists playing at the level of the Telemann Concerto;
variations involve eighth notes, triplets, and sixteenth notes;
positions 1-3; 4 minutes
Swallowtail Jig for viola and piano $3.50
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!)
HEAR a computer simulation of Swallowtail Jig.
ENSEMBLE MUSIC
Three Armenian Impressions for oboe, clarinet, and viola $15.00
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 $7.00
(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
Three Canons for two violas $5.00
Canons 1 and 3 are twelve-tone; canon 2 is an homage to Hindemith;
plenty of tricky rhythms and chromatics to keep players alert!
positions 1-4; duration 5 mins.
HEAR the premiere of Three Canons performed in a New York Viola Society
recital by violists Daniel Avshalomov and Timothy Deighton:
Canon 1
Canon 2
Canon 3
A reviewer for Strad described these canons as “austere but brief.”
Do you agree?
Celebration Fanfare for string quartet or quintet $8.00
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).
Now also available in an arrangement for VIOLA QUARTET only $7.00
(Viola I positions 1-7, Viola II pos. 1-5, Viola III pos. 1-3, Viola IV, 1st pos.)
Four Sketches
for string quartet $8.00
(price includes 4 copies of the full score)
for flute/violin, viola, and guitar $6.00
(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 $6.00
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 $6.00
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 Duets $5.50
In the spirit of Scott Joplin’s famous piano rags,
these duets can be played by two (or more) violists
(pos. 1-3). Since the upper part is in treble clef,
violinists can also join the fun (with permission of
the violists, of course!).
Also available as A Few Ragtime Trios $7.50
(two upper parts in treble clef, lower part in alto clef)
Three Quirky Little Pieces for 4-part viola ensemble $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 $7.00
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.)
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.
Reflection for 3-part viola ensemble $7.50
[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.
Traditional Christmas Carols $14.00
[Price includes four books, each containing
all four parts in score format.]
Fifteen favorite carols, including:
O Come, All Ye Faithful; The First Noel;
Niño Lindo; Silent Night; Greensleeves;
Joy to the World; Coventry Carol;
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
Please specify arrangement desired:
string quartet (2 violins, viola, cello)
4-part viola ensemble
The following viola ensemble works of Michael Kimber
are available from Fountain Park Music Publishing:
La Folia variations for 4-part viola ensemble
Festival Overture for 6-part viola ensemble
Country Club (Scott Joplin rag) arranged for 4 violas
**Listed in vol. 1 of the 1997 ASTA String Syllabus
And there is more...
Musical Terms for String Players $6.50
Over 700 Italian, German, French, English, and
Latin terms and definitions. Pronunciation guide.
Slim 8.5 x 11-inch booklet is easy to carry with
your music, so it's handy when you need it!
To order any of the items listed above
(except the three published by Fountain Park Music Publishing),
please see HOW TO ORDER,
or e-mail Dr. Kimber at kimbermichael@qwest.net.
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 October 10, 2008