JAVS Fall 2008

incomplete manuscript. He chose a high D-flat half note, which didn’t seem a logical next step composition ally to me. The next was the last note—he ends the piece on a C major chord—which also seemed out of place given the mood of the rest of the piece. Lastly, the entire conclusion seems to lose the drive that was estab lished in the first twenty-five measures, including several measures of triplets that help to slow down Bloch’s estab lished driving force. In the comments at the bottom of this published conclusion, Sills mentions that some sketches for the remainder of the Suite for Viola Solo do survive, and it was upon those sketches that he based his Conclusion to the Suite for Viola Solo . This was done with the assistance of Suzanne Bloch. This version is certainly worth buying for curiosity’s sake. After studying this piece even more intensely, and having played through both Conclusions a few times, I feel com fortable enough to say that when I do eventually learn this piece to include in my recital repertoire, I will certainly be including the Fine ending (multiple puns intended). The Bloch Suite for Viola Sola and the David L. Sills conclusion are published by: Broude Brothers Limited 141 White Oaks Road Williamstown, MA 01267

Phone: (413)458-8131 Toll-free: 800-225-3197 Fax: (413)458-5242 www.broude.us

The conclusion by Marshall Fine is available directly from the composer at: E-mail: drmjfine@aol.com

Key to the Difficulty level chart: 1 Very Easy 2 Somewhat Easy 3 Intermediate 4 Somewhat Difficult 5 Difficult 6 Very Difficult

Please send all scores for review consideration to: Kenneth Martinson 2751 SE 24th Place Gainesville, FL 32641

J OURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VIOLA SOCIETY 66