Sisyphus -for solo viola

Hello,

The main melody theme is taken from Szymanowski's Mythes, although I havent heard it for years. Yet it stuck in my mind and recently I couldnt help but write this one:) The score is as miniminal as possible, I leave articulation and expression to performers (which I wont ever have, so there is not a problem:P).

How playable (and I guess unplayable) is it - specially the quicker part? What do you like the most ? I'm almost sure there are some enharmonic errors, I just dont like spending hours thinking if the note should be cis or des:) Any critics are welcome!

syzyf.pdf

syzyf.mid

Some really interestig work here. Very interesting style, never lost focus and was always changing enough to keep my attention. It seems relatively playable (I'm a double-bassist, so I don't really know, however my girlfriend's a violist so I'm relatively well-versed in the instrument's capabilites.) I'd love to hear it performed.

Googled the title. haha... Is it supposed to be some kind of viola joke? ;-) Is this a programmatic piece with the rock rolling down the mountain in the fast notes and the rolling up the hill for the slow heavy part?

Anyway, I'm a violist so I can help.

That F# to A# double stop. Remotely possible, but OUCH. Just looking at it makes my hands hurt.

Fast parts are difficult but doable with practice.

Quadruple stops at m. 19 will be hard to get in tune.

M. 38 Will probably work better slurred in groups of 4 rather than 2.

This is cool I might perform this some day.

Hello,

I listened to your advice and did some tweaking. That F# to A# stop shouldnt be a problem now. I'm really flattered that you find it enjoyable. I shall bless anyone who plays this piece, and double-bless anyone recording it:) The title came up at the end, the overall impression brought me on Sisyphus. Your interpretation is better than mine, since I didn't intend anything. The rock rolling down in the fast part, hero climbing in the beggining and in the end - I buy it:)

syzyf.pdf

Decent sense of pacing and register contrasts and control of the lines and material. But contrapuntally it could be much more polished and developed. The variations on the theme don't sound very compelling, nor do the faster parts.

I would say the strongest part is the very beginning for me, in the way that the line unfolds.. but it seems as if that is the material you are using which is from another piece...