JAVS Summer 2025

Score Review

Score Review: Stacy Garrop, Krakatoa : Concerto for Viola, Strings, and Percussion Solo Viola Part and Piano Reduction

Stacy Garrop’s Krakatoa Concerto for Viola, Strings, and Percussion is a commanding addition to the contemporary viola repertoire, pairing vivid narrative writing with a powerful sonic imagination. Yet just as striking as the music itself is the exceptional quality and clarity of the published solo part and piano reduction. The piano reduction was created by Garrop herself—a meaningful choice that results in a musically compelling and idiomatic rendering of the full orchestral score. This edition exemplifies excellence in score preparation, achieving a balance between visual elegance, performer friendly design, and pedagogical utility. In an age when performers often rely on digital or print-on-demand editions of variable quality, Krakatoa stands out as a physical artifact that honors the performer’s experience as much as it supports the composer’s intentions.

A Score Built for the Stage From the first moment one opens the printed score, it is clear that this edition has been designed with performers in mind. The heavy, sheen-less white paper provides both durability and excellent legibility under various lighting conditions. Unlike coated or glossy finishes that reflect stage lights and tire the eyes, the matte surface offers a fatigue-free reading experience, especially important during long practice sessions or performance preparation. The binding deserves particular commendation. The piano reduction is center-stapled, allowing it to lie flat without damaging the spine—an ideal format for collaborative pianists who must turn pages quickly and reliably. This small but significant detail makes the score far more usable in rehearsals and live performances alike.

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 41, Summer 2025 Online Issue

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