JAVS Fall 1992

34

by great composers, but consider that one hundred years from now, historians should have more to say than 'the late 1900s-when musicians gave great performances of Beethoven.'" Katrina Wreede is doing her part in the New Music world now. Much of her energy is directed toward composing. Recent compositions include "C-String Blues," performed en masse at the 1991 International Viola Congress in Ithaca, "Li'l Phrygian Rondo for Karen" (Karen Elaine), "Bop Caprice One" for solo viola, (featured in Strings magazine), and "Tango Duo" for Harmonica and Viola-all on Vlazville Music, BMI. As a founding member of the Bay Area Jazz Composers' Orchestra, Ms. Wreede has arranged her "Synapse Lapse" for the big band with strings. Playing with jazz greats like Dr. Billy Taylor and John Blake gave her the impetus to explore groove-oriented compositions for string players. "Li'l Phrygian Rondo" for two violas, one

improvising, one "straight," was commissioned by myself in 1992. Katrina says of the work that "my objective was to create a performer and audience-friendly piece that sounds good, is technically accessible, and uses groove-feels." Ultimately to be included in a collection of works for the violist learning to improvise, she conceived "LPRK" so that a player without extensive experience in grooving can explore this realm, developing more gut awareness of the rhythmic meter and practice self-expression without the regular "rules."

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Karen Elaine is Adjunct Professor of Viola at San Diego S tate University, an active solo recitalist, and enthusiast for new music.

Following is the first page of "Li'l Phrygian Rondo for Karen" (available from Vlazville Music, 2884 Carmel Street, Oakland CA 94602):

String 9\fnaissance Eight generations of string making gives us the experience. Computer technology and advanced winding techniques give us the advantage. The result is a rebirth of the Viola string. For a FREE catalog write to: ]. D'Addario & Co .. Inc PO Box] E. Farmingdale. NY 1173'5 USA