Nocturne for Viola and Piano

Well, this is a sketch of the two themes.

I find the second theme too different from the first theme, as it were a different piece; i don't really know why :'-( 

A fun piece, by all means @Samuel_vangogh!

I'm not exactly an expert on chamber music (let alone the viola), but I personally find the viola occupies an almost uncanny middle-ground between the violin and the cello in this piece. I suppose this relays my biases towards the violin and cello, but I think it'd definitely benefit if you stuck with playing around on either the higher or the lower register that either instrument provides (I think it kind of sounds like you're playing around middle C on the piano sometimes).

On the other hand (aside from the incomplete piano in the first theme), I think the themes blend with each other reasonably well: it makes for an interesting slow-fast-slow-type movement throughout the piece, like what Schubert did in some of his lieder. I'll say, though, that developing the ideas more would really take it that extra mile (there's obviously that abrupt end, which I believe was intentional).

I am aware this is still a sketch, but those are my thoughts on how you might want to complete the piece. Keep at it! 💪

Hi Samuel,

17 hours ago, Samuel_vangogh said:

I find the second theme too different from the first theme, as it were a different piece; i don't really know why :'-( 

I do feel like the three sections quite different to each other; the first theme lonely with very few piano accompaniment, the second theme intriguing and the third section more flowing and hopeful. But I agree with @Awsumerguy that the themes blend well by having contrasting mood.

I think you are using the low and middle register of viola and can use its higher register for the next section. Some middle register notes played by violin can be played by violas very beautifully, as the tightened sound make it purer for me.

Of course I would love to see the two instruments react more to each other, and piano should have its own melodic part too instead of just accompanying the viola. In b.29 it's better to have RH play the low D and LH play the first chord, and then have the RH play the 2nd chords onward since with both hands changing register can result in collision of hands.

Thx for sharing the draft!

Henry