Synthesis: a violist's approach to preparing a program for performance

Throughout history, the viola has been considered the Cinderella of the String Instrument Family.1 From a pedagogical viewpoint, the instrument was largely ignored until the technical demands made by composers upon violists required increased technical proficiency from the practitioners. These demands have only increased with time, establishing a trend of increasing difficulty that is likely to continue. This research has aimed to examine and document the process involved in preparing three works for performance- Franz Schubert's Sonata for Piano and Arpeggione in A minor D 821, Johannes Brahms' Clarinet Sonata in F Minor Opus 120, No.1 and Georges Enesco's Concert Piece. It will consider the more advanced technical skills required for the performance of these works and analyze how the previously existing scholarly literature has endeavored to provide performers with resources to enable them to master these technical components. It will also address what the existing literature has largely ignored. That is, how the body can be used to efficiently integrate these technical components to safely and effectively communicate the intentions of the composers as indicated in the scores. The resulting research will provide violists with an efficient framework to enable them to systematically address the most pertinent technical difficulties contained within these works. It will also contribute to the existing discussion of how to deliver an exceptional performance.