Hefti: Poeme Lunaire for Viola and Piano

Category: Viola and Piano ** Title: Poeme Lunaire ** Composer: David Philip Hefti ** Publisher: Edition Kunzelmann ** Difficulty: A6.

Poeme Lunaire is a challenging new composition for viola and piano by modern Swiss composer David Philip Hefti. Composed in 2008, it requires many extended techniques (all of which are outlined and explained in the included performance notes), and asks the performers to play their instruments in some interesting, if slightly unusual ways. For example, at one point, the pianist is directed to "strike the strings with wire brushes." In another spot, the viola part calls for "sizzling pizzicato," which is explained as left-hand pizzicato with the tip of the bow lying on the string being plucked, which makes a "sizzling" sound.

For very advanced players (of both viola and piano), this 21st-century piece is a great new work to add to your library!