MELIA WATRAS: SARABANDA
(The void after the second beat — for Atar)
for viola solo (2022)
World Premiere: Melia Watras, viola; October 12, 2023, Bloomington, IN
Duration: 2:54
Program Notes:
Atar Arad’s students draw inspiration from him on countless levels. Looking at the myriad of ways his alumni express their creativity is a testament to the artistry he fosters.
I love Atar’s idea of creating a Partita Party! Atar invited some of his former students to join him in each composing a piece inspired by a movement of Bach’s Partita in D minor for solo violin. I am honored to contribute a Sarabanda to this project.
For string players, Bach’s solo works are pieces that one returns to again and again. His Sarabandes draw me in with their depth of emotion. The one from the Fifth cello suite, in particular, speaks directly to my heart.
The dedication takes it text from Anner Bylsma’s book Bach, The Fencing Master, in which Bylsma (in discussion of the Sarabande from Bach’s 1st cello suite) writes, “The void after the second beat is wonderful.”
—Melia Watras