JAVS Fall 2011

tration of a work (suggesting solo viola and choir or solo viola and wind ensemble), the form of the work, or offered an idea about how to write more idiomati cally. While invariably effusive about the composers with whom he works, when pressed, Deubner will admit to occasionally encountering a “ridiculously hard” passage. he feels especially that when a com poser is writing on the keyboard, “What they simply wanted to sound melodic and clear to read actually looked like aleatoric writing that requires an MBA from harvard [to decipher].” he then tries to work with the composer to arrive at “possibilities that are not only playable but also effective.” he has also threatened to pull out his violin if a composer is not utilizing the “amazing color” of the C string. In the end, Deubner prizes the communicative and vocal qualities in these works and his ability to project the thoughts of the composers he respects. Of course, being involved in the commissioning, cre ation, practicing, promoting, recording, and premier ing of a work is an exhausting cycle and must be a ThE AMERICAN VIOLA SOCIETy: A hISTORy AND REFERENCE SECOND EDITION

labor of love (somewhat like raising children, of which Deubner has four). Though reluctant to claim the reputation of new music specialist, his definite interest in new music began as a performer in the contemporary music program Ars Nova during his college years and continues unabated. One can see the line of inspiration from former teacher and new music proponent John Graham to Deubner’s organiz ing of multi-disciplinary concerts as the artistic direc tor of “Music and More.” This concert series allows for an intimate concert experience with no intermis sion; collaboration with a different artistic medium or performer (choreographer, painting, etc.); and interac tion between composer, performer, and audience. he counts among his favorite pieces both tonal works, such as Mark Gresham’s Essays for Viola and Double String Orchestra —which alternates mournful and dark sections with witty dance ones—and twelve-tone works, such as Andrew Rudin’s concerto: a colorful work of drama and contemplation. Staying true to the marriage of new works and viola, he will be kept busy performing three premieres in each of the next two seasons, and, in doing so, expanding the modern viola repertoire for all violists. Readers can find many videos by Brett Deubner on his YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/brettdeubner

Lembi Veskimets is a violist in the Cleveland Orchestra and former AVS board member.

By Dwight R. Pounds

$24 Spiral Bound $28 Hard Cover (recommended for library use)

Dwight R. Pounds 651 Covington Grove Blvd. Bowling Green, Ky 42104-6601 dwight.pounds@insightbb.com

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