On the Beaten Track - J.W. Nelleke (viola, piano)

A substantial duo work in four movements.

The first movement’s title plays on the expression "off the beaten track"—here inverted, as the instruments follow a path literally beaten out by a metronome. Angular, almost mechanical writing is contrasted by a lyrical second theme.

The second movement is a scherzo in which viola and piano engage in a game of cat and mouse. (As it happens, my brother-in-law once had a cat named Mouse by his daughters.)

The third movement is a slow movement, built upon a recurring, static chord progression with highly expressive counter-melodies. Its title quotes Twelfth Night, evoking concealed love and silent grief—a fitting association, as the sketch was completed on January 5th, Twelfth Night itself.

The title of the finale, Klompers Glemetz, is a word from my wife’s childhood, invented to describe a wild, noisy dance. And that, at least in my imagination, is precisely what it has become.

Duration: 22'00

Publisher: Nutscale Music NM-2513

Extra info

A note on the first movement: a metronome is required. The ideal choice is a large, wooden, mechanical model. If only a digital metronome is available, please ensure it is sufficiently loud and produces a low-pitched sound, avoiding any high-frequency beeps.

Media

The work has been recorded on the CD Voilà Viola! volume 3, Dutch Angle by Karin Dolman and Caecilia Boschman. The CD is for sale on Dutchdisc and on their website you can listen to the beginning of the first movement.