ULTIMA VERBA

Final notes for viola

Duration10'

InstrumentationAlto

Opus numberOpus 1

« "What would you play if you only had a few notes left?" »

— Corentin Apparailly

Author’s Note

The symbiosis between a musician and their instrument is profound and mysterious. As they spend time together, they seem to merge, becoming two parts of the same soul. Thus, an instrument often accompanies all the important moments in its owner's life. For my first published piece, Ultima Verba, I wanted to explore this unique relationship by imagining a musician's emotional farewell to their instrument, taking this opportunity to offer my own symbolic goodbye to my viola and fully begin this new chapter as a composer.

« Because of my background and family history, the viola has been the most important instrument in my life. »

Publisher’s Note

This score is for violists wishing to explore the full expressive range of their instrument. From meditation to anger, from fragility to fear, and finally to a gentle joy tinged with melancholy, Ultima Verba traverses a wide spectrum of emotions and character. The writing employs a variety of technical challenges—arpeggios, block chords, the high register, the depth of the C string, and left-hand pizzicato—always in service of the essential: the expression of universal, intimate emotions.

Premiere

Violaine Despeyroux May 4, 2024 Paris

Event

Contemporary piece for the 2024 National Competition for Young Viola Players in Paris.

Performance