Azonal for Viola and Ensemble (2015–16)

The title Azonal (without zones) refers to the type of musical form of the piece; transitions between different musical materials occur without clear boundaries or cuts between them. The solo part utilizes extended playing techniques and sounds resulting, such as circular bowing, whisked whistle, glissando repetition and rumble, which the 12-member ensemble reflects - not as effects added afterward, but as an integral part of musical expression.

By the end of the piece there is a solo cadenza, which can be also performed as a separate solo viola piece under the title Azonal Advice (which is an anagram from the words Viola

Cadenza). I composed this piece already in 2009 with the intention that it would be later integrated into a concertante work for viola and ensemble. The cadenza is not fully written out, but utilizes the Directed Modular-Transformative Improvisation Technique developed by me.

Including improvisation in the cadenza means, I hope, that each performance will be somewhat different, which might help the piece to stay fresh and interesting over several performances.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Uusinta Ensemble for commissioning Azonal. Uusinta Ensemble has been - and still is - very important for me as a violist and composer. I would also like to thank the Commissioning Grant Committee of the Finnish Composers’ Copyright Society Teosto and the Sibelius Fund of the Society of Finnish Composers for making the composition of Azonal possible.

I hope joy enjoy it!

Recording of the World Premiere 8 APR 2016, Helsinki Music Centre, Sonore Hall, Max Savikangas, viola, Uusinta Ensemble, cond. József Hárs.