Michael Kimber Œuvres choisies pour alto Murawski Bazan Gusciora Hedzielska Kowalczyk Kowzan Matias

The seven albums featuring Michael Kimber’s works, published in a series Music for viola by Acte Préalable, contain over seven hours of music, more than fifty pieces, nearly 140 tracks, recorded by eleven violists, two orchestras, two conductors, a keyboard instrument with a rhythmic section (bass, percussion), vocalist, marimba, the use of electronics and the creative input of two young composers inspired by Kimber. It’s a dozen of recording session between the years 2012 and 2017. It is a common effort of numerous people, hard work during rehearsals and recording sessions, it’s the joy of performing Michael’s music in concerts, a few world premieres of his works in Norway, Iceland and Poland. Featured on these albums are easier and harder works, nostalgic and jocular pieces, ones for viola solo, viola with orchestra, viola quartet, orchestra solo, two violas or even three… as well as other instrument combinations. They are inspired by countries and their culture – such as Armenia, Ireland or Greece, there are pieces extremely useful in terms of pedagogical value and others are supposed make the audience (and performers!) feel good. In other words – every kind under the sun. Amongst all of the compositions featured on those albums you, the audience, chose your favourites and sent your choices to me. My role was to do a summary of your votes…