Atlantic legend, for viola, cello & harpsichord

• Date: 1983
• Composer: David Alpher
• Period: Modern (1910-1949)

Review

This composition was written at the request of harpsichordist Jean Newton, who played it in her debut recital at Merkin Hall in New York (September 1983). Alpher cautions that the presence of the harpsichord in this piece has no Baroque associations; he wants a powerful, assertive sound from the harpsichord, a strong instrument that can play "a full-bodied forte, a powerful fortissimo, and a riot of sound at fortississimo." He regards the harpsichord as "first among equals" in this composition and allows discreet amplification to ensure this balance, at least in recordings of the work.

The musical materials belong more to the American side of the Atlantic than the European. The Toccata part of the opening movement has elements of sonata form. The second movement has a reflection of the theme of the opening movement embedded in its own theme and variations form. The music is primarily lyrical in character. ~ Joseph Stevenson, Rovi

Albums with Complete Performances of the Work

Title	Date
American Reflections	1999

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