German - English.

Garth Knox is one of the most prominent violists of his generation, and as former long-time member of the Arditti Quartet he has developed and maintained a fondness of contemporary music. In the meantime, he gives concerts and teaches courses all over the world.

With 'Viola Spaces' he wants to make contemporary playing techniques accessible to advanced players. The pieces, or 'playing spaces', are true concert studies, each of them dealing with specific techniques such as harmonics, pizzicato (with 9 fingers!) or tremolos which are explained in great detail.

Another volume with modern playing techniques for two violas and a volume with variations on a piece by the French viola da gamba master Marin Marais for four violas are planned.

Skyfall is the dramatic theme from the James Bond film of the same name, as written and sung by Adele. This version is arranged as a duet for two Violas.

Musicians at an intermediate standard and above will find this ideal for formal and informal concert performances, with plenty of interest and variety in both parts. The overall performance time is around four and a half minutes. The short audio sample is from the Clarinet and Alto Saxophone version while the full-length youtube performance is the Clarinet Duet.

Teachers will enjoy using this arrangement as a fun way to approach complex rhythms and syncopation. There is plenty of opportunity for expressive playing and a wide pitch range is used.