| ‘Sonatango’ is a work for solo viola, an instrument with a somewhat rather limited repertoire in solo recitals without piano, although that is not to deny that there are some very interesting works indeed in existence for this instrument. However, the general public often holds the opinion, perhaps falsely, that it is difficult for the viola to compete with the brilliance of a solo violin or the profound sonority of a solo cello. The creation and the existence of this work is precisely to demonstrate that indeed the viola soloist, without pianist, can offer a concert work with solid musical sense using all its normal playing registers. The multitude of effects are within reach for all competent violists, both the professional musician and (importantly) also for the promising students. These effects and techniques are also interesting and endearing to the general public. As always in the partially tango-inspired works of Johnstone, the influence of Astor Piazzolla is frequently present; however the harmony is by turns modern and traditional with occasional moments even showing their influence as far back as J.S.Bach. The unusual fusion of musical structure combines freely rhapsodic tango flavourings together with a full Sonata form. In this way the work offers the possibility of a very personal performance and an individualized interpretation, without making reference to ‘schools’ or ‘aesthetics’. |
