I Thought the Sea Would Sing to Me
for Viola and Electronics
Duration 12 min
I started writing a solo piece for viola. A chord was needed.
The chord was turned into a piano improvisation.
The improvisation became an electronic voice.
It sounded to me like the sea.
Writing for a solo piece is special.
Then I wanted to explore the instrument’s sound and expressive possibilities,
the peculiarity of the instrument;
The viola’s C string is wonderful. Double stops – lovely.
Quarter tones – they open up the ears.
Show me your special tricks, I say to the musician.
What sounds good, what sits well on the instrument?
That part of the composing process is what I like the most.
I Thought the Sea Would Sing to Me is composed for Nathan Sherman.
Gustav Lindsten, my former student, made the electronic part.
Thank you both for a fruitful collaboration!
Karin Rehnqvist, 1 March 2024
