Sanctum

Description

Viola, Piano — SANCTUM was written for violist Beverly Baker, whom I hold in high esteem as a performer and as a person.SANCTUM is the third of my “cathedral” pieces (the other two being SONGS OF ISAIAH for chorus and orchestra, and SONATA DA CHIESA for string orchestra). These works reflect memories of my early years as a chorister at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, New York.Specifically, SANCTUM reflects the contrast between the turbulence of the outside world and the search for serenity within the walls of the cathedral. The work is divided into six sections:A. Viola introductionB. Piano enters and the two instruments share ideas that are mostly turbulent in character.C. Intricate florid writing that includes improvisation on the part of both performers.D. A slow serene melody over quiet chords in the piano.E. A final agitated ouburst, before, finally, settling into theF. Tranquil coda.SANCTUM is also available for B( Clarinet and Piano (114-41326). For advanced violists, Hailstork "reflects [upon] the contrast between the turbulence of the outside world and the search for serenity within the walls of the cathedral" in this multifaceted duo. Incl udes a brief period of improvisation in both parts.