JAVS Spring 2023

The first time Perkinson goes astray, in measure 15, he starts the A2 section. As shown in Figure 9, Perkinson composes notes that cannot be spelled out as a triadic or augmented sixth chord: he uses this dissonance to propel his work’s next section forward. The piano’s bass line follows his main theme’s first presentation similarly while starting on E, causing the treble line to transpose up a major second and resolve. While his voice leading has not been lauded, this transition smooths the passage. Further analysis will note this change to the other chords while remaining indistinguishable to audience members.

Footnotes 1 David Baker, Lida M. Belt, and Herman C, Hudson, The Black Composer Speaks (Metuchen N.J. Scarecrow Press, 1978), 239. 2 Baker, Belt, and Hudson, The Black Composer Speaks , 239. 3 Ibid., 266. 4 Ibid. 7 Steve Schwartz, “Classical Net Review Perkinson - Chamber Works,” Classical Net, Classical Net, 2008, http://www.classical.net/music/recs/reviews/c/ cdl00087a.php. 8 Baker, Belt, and Hudson, The Black Composer Speaks , 260. 5 Ibid., 239. 6 Ibid., 266 Bibliography Baker, David, Lida M. Belt, and Herman C. Hudson. The Black Composer Speaks . Metuchen, N.J. etc.: Scarecrow Press: 1978. Hailstork, Adolphus. Two Romances for Viola and Orchestra . 1-15. King of Prussia: Theodore Presser Company, 1997.

Concluding Thoughts Perkinson’s Lament for Viola and Piano weaves a complex viola line over four minutes that uses attractive counterpoint, form, and harmony to embellish it. This article postulates the factors that will hopefully lead this appealing work to be performed more frequently. Hopefully, this detailed analysis will encourage more violists to give this work the praise it deserves. Figure 9. Perkinson Lament for Viola and Piano, mm.14-15.

Perkinson, Coleridge-Taylor. Lament for Viola and Piano . 1-3. LKM Music: Lauren Keiser Music Publishing.

Schwartz, Steve. “Classical Net Review - Perkinson - Chamber Works.” Classical Net. Classical Net, 2008. http://www.classical.net/music/recs/reviews/ c/cdl00087a. php.

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 39, No. 1, Spring 2023

51