Apologies for the messy formatting!! I’ll fix this as soon as I can figure out how!
To inquire about or purchase any of this music, contact the composer at mkimber@centurylink.net
SOLO MUSIC (unaccompanied)
Variations on an Unknown Folk Song for solo viola (2020) price TBD
Premiered in 2023 by Marcin Murawski in Dordrecht, Netherlands. Techniques include ricochet bowing, double stops, pizzicato chords.
Duration: 6:15
Idyllic Reminiscences for solo viola (2023) price TBD
Inspired by times spent finding solace in nature.
Duration: 8:00
Dreaming/Dancing for solo viola (2021) price TBD
Composed for violist Gwendolyn Matias-Ryan. Two movements; lots of shifting meters.
Duration: 6:30
Reveries for solo viola (2015) price TBD
Composed for violist Kathryn Steely.
Four movements: Calm, Frantic, Mysterious, Exuberant
Duration: 14:00
Quest for solo viola $5.25 Duration: 8:40 and 2020 for solo viola $5.25 were premiered by violist Donghee Han at the 2022 American Viola Society Festival and 47th International Viola Congress Duration: 7:00
Fantasie for solo viola d’amore $5.25
Composed for Elena Kraineva and premiered by her at the 2022 International Viola d’amore Congress in Brandenburg, Germany
Duration: 5:00
Murovisation for solo viola $4.50
composed in April 2013 for violist Marcin Murawski and recorded on his CD, Michael Kimber: Music for Viola(s) (Acte Préalable AP0284) Duration: 5 mins.
Twelve Caprices for solo viola $9.00
Twelve Caprices for solo violin $9.00
One caprice in each parallel major/minor key; brilliant, technically challenging, musically appealing bravura romantic style; positions 1-9; total duration c. 30 mins.
Sonata (1997) for solo viola $6.00
a dramatic Prelude, jazzy Fugue, impassioned Nocturne, and ear-bending Presto; very high positions; duration 10 mins.
Echoes of Greece (2006) for solo viola $4.50
“Eastern” scales and folk-like rhythms combine to give a “Mediterranean” flavor to this piece, which begins quietly and accelerates to an exciting conclusion (opah!); positions 1-5; duration 5-6 mins.
Emerald Isle (2004) for solo viola $5.25
Violist Patricia McCarty describes it as “evocative of Ireland and Irish fiddling” and “a wonderful addition to our unaccompanied repertoire and to what is becoming a virtual world tour through Michael’s solo pieces inspired by the music of other cultures.” Positions 1-11; duration 8-9 mins.
Three Armenian Impressions (2002) for solo viola $5.25
Gisherayin Yerazhtutiun (Night Music), Aghachang (Supplication) and Tonakatarutiun (Celebration), inspired by the colorful scales and hypnotic rhythms of music associated with Armenia; positions 1-10; duration 8 mins.
Three Armenian Impressions is also available as a trio for oboe, clarinet, and viola. (See under Ensemble Music.)
Monolog i Krakowiak (2000) for solo viola $4.50
(also available for solo alto saxophone)
a contemplative, lyrical soliloquy and a lively “Krakovian” dance in the spirit of Polish folk music; originally for alto saxophone, but composed with viola in hand; positions 1-7; duration c. 8 mins.
Monolog i Krakowiak is also available in a stunning duet version, Dialog i Krakowiak. (See under Ensemble Music.)
Comet: Reflections on a Celestial Voyager for solo viola $4.50
a fascinating solo viola voyage through space inspired by the 1986 return of Halley’s Comet; atonal pitch relations, irregular meters; positions 1-9; duration 10 mins.
SOLO WITH ACCOMPANIMENT
Quest for viola solo and string orchestra (2023) price TBD
The original solo version with string orchestra accompaniment
For violist Donghee Han, who premiered it with the Iowa City Community String Orchestra
Duration: 6:45
Solace for cello or viola solo and string orchestra (2019) price TBD
Composed for cellist Hannah Holman, who premiered it with the Iowa City Community String Orchestra
Duration: 3:00
Rhapsody for viola solo and string orchestra (2015) price TBD
Composed for violist Martyna Kowzan, who premiered and recorded it in Poland
Duration: 10:30
Mój sprytny kotek (My cute kitten) for viola solo and string orchestra (2014) price TBD
Composed for Marcin Murawski in honor of our cats (Loki, Eino, and Mr Slinky)
Both soloist and orchestra pay pizziCATo throughout. U.S. premiere by Donghee Han with the Iowa City Community String Orchestra.
Duration: 2:40
Night Music for viola solo and string orchestra $45.00
[Price includes full score, solo part, and 3/3/2/3/2 strings;
extra parts $1.50 each. Please buy; don’t copy!]
An evocative work portraying night-time moods — serene, mysterious, ominous, plaintive, frolicsome, and peaceful. The music could be thought of as representing dreams, or the darkness of night that can be felt in many different ways. Composed for and premiered by violist Geneviève Overy and the Iowa City Community String Orchestra, Carey Bostian, conductor.Duration: 14 minutes.
Concertino for viola solo and string orchestra $36.00
[Price includes full score, solo part, and 3/3/2/3/2 strings;
extra parts $1.50 each. Please buy; don’t copy!]
An appealing 3-movement work for students at Suzuki Vol. 5 level, composed in 2010 and premiered in Montreal by violist Geneviève Overy in spring 2011 and premiered in the U.S. with the Iowa City Community String Orchestra. Energetic outer movements, lyrical slow movement, cadenza.
Positions 1-7 (solo), positions 1-3 (orch.); 12 mins.Concertino for viola and piano $15.00
This music can be performed effectively with piano accompaniment, too.
Evocations for viola solo and string orchestra $45.00
[Price includes full score, solo part, and 4/4/3/4/2 strings;
extra parts $2.00 each. Please buy; don’t copy!]
a major solo work in three movements: Rhapsodically, Dreamily, Driving; premiered by Christine Rutledge with the ICCSO; positions 1-10; 16 minutes
Piano score (for study purposes ONLY) and solo part available for $20.00.
NOTE: The beautiful 2nd movement of Evocations (Dreamily) can be purchased separately as Romance:
full score, solo part, and strings $18.00; piano score and solo part $7.00
Fantasía Hispana for viola solo and string orchestra $24.00
[Price includes full score, solo part, and 3/3/2/3/2 strings;
purchase extra parts if needed for only $1.20 each.
Fantasía Hispana (pronounced fan-ta-SEE-a ee-SPAH-na) is a very popular and widely performed piece for solo viola; inspired by the captivating rhythms and evocative harmonies of music of Spanish-speaking peoples; positions 1-7 (solo), pos. 1-3 (orch.); 6-7 minutes
Fantasía Hispana for viola and piano $12.00 Please do not mispronounce the title or imitate incorrect rhythms heard in most performances!
Concerto in Classical Style for viola and piano (in 1st position) $15.00 A version of the solo part with 1st, 2nd & 3rd position fingerings can be purchased for an additional $3.00. Highly recommended!
This short concerto (total duration 9 minutes), playable entirely (but not necessarily) in first position, offers many opportunities for musical and technical growth. Includes a brief introduction to musical form and detailed practice advice from the composer.
Waltz with Variation for viola and piano $4.20
A charming waltz with a variation in eighth notes. Some third position. Composed for Xavier Oberfoell.
Two Pieces in Spanish Style for viola and piano $3.00
Fans of Fantasía Hispana (and there are many) may also enjoy this enchanting and easier-to-play musical excursion to Spain.
Also available for VIOLIN and piano $3.00
The Dove for viola and piano $3.00
The Dove for violas, two pianos, and strings $5.25
The violas were not featured in Saint-Saens’s Carnival of the Animals, but now they can be! Could the gentle dove become for violists what “The Swan” is for cellists? It’s up to you!! positions 1-3; 3 minutes
Swallowtail Jig for viola and piano $2.25
a favorite traditional fiddle tune in an easy and fun setting for viola; suitable for violists just learning 3rd position; 1 – 1-1/2 minutes (depending on the tempo taken!)
Also available for VIOLIN and piano and CELLO and piano.
Variations on Amazing Grace for viola and piano $4.20 suitable for violists playing at the level of the Telemann Concerto; variations involve eighth notes, triplets, and sixteenth notes; positions 1-3; 4 minutes
Also available for VIOLIN and piano and CELLO and piano.
PEDAGOGICAL (Solo Music, Mostly for Students)
Twentieth-Century Idioms for Violists $10.50 A valuable supplement to traditional etudes, these fourteen short studies offer students of upper intermediate level and above opportunities to become acquainted with idioms such as pentatonic, octatonic, and whole tone scales; mixed meter, irregular rhythms; quartal, secundal, and polychordal harmonies; twelve-tone music; and other techniques not encountered in pre-20th century music. Note: There is no double bar at the end of the last Idiom. This is meant to indicate that the music does not necessarily end at this point but could end anywhere…
Scales, Arpeggios, and Double Stops for the Violist (4th edition) $16.50
This easy-to-use coil-bound edition is revised and expanded to include: preparatory two-octave scales and arpeggios and selected double stops, optimized fingerings for the three-octave scales and arpeggios, and an extended selection of other scales (whole tone, octatonic, pentatonic, modal).
NOTE: The 3rd edition will still be available for $10 by special request for a limited time.
Scales, Arpeggios, and Double Stops for Violinists $12.00
A violin transcription of Scales… for the Violist (3rd edition).
PLEASE NOTE: There is no 4th edition of Scales… for Violinists.
You may wish to purchase the following supplement along with the violin scale book:
Supplement to Scales… for Violinists $2.00
Preparatory two-octave scales and arpeggios and selected double stops, from Scales, Arpeggios, and Double Stops for the Violist (4th edition).
Six Etude-Caprices for viola solo $6.00
Six Etude-Caprices for violin solo $6.00
attractive, contrasting character pieces for moderately advanced players (positions 1-4)
Four Harmonious Etudes for viola solo $4.50
Four Harmonious Etudes for violin solo $4.50 Focusing on smooth string crossings, relationship of fingers in chord playing, and harmonic listening, these etudes are appropriate for the moderately advanced player.
Four Melodious Etudes for viola solo $4.50
Four Melodious Etudes for violin solo $4.50 Focusing on fluid shifting and string crossings, expressive use of the bow, and coordination of vibrato with dynamic nuance, these etudes are appropriate for the moderately advanced player.
Three Double-Stop Caprices for viola solo $5.25
Three Double-Stop Caprices for violin solo $5.25
Melodious pieces that can make double-stop practice enjoyable; an explanation of double-stop intonation is included (positions 1-4)
Ten Pieces in Five and a Half Positions for viola solo $7.50 Melodious and rhythmic music with plenty of shifting and emphasis on the oft-neglected even-numbered positions. Positions half through 5th and occasionally beyond.
Eight Studies for viola solo $5.00
Finger exercises and short character pieces employing double stops and various bowing styles; positions half through 5th Also available (and recommended) with accompaniment of a 2nd viola as:
Eight Duets for violas $8.25
These duet versions of the Eight Studies are attractive as recital pieces!
Three Bagatelles for solo viola $3.75
Very short studies in 20th-century styles (whole tone, atonal, and quartal pitch relations); positions 1-4
ENSEMBLE MUSIC (mostly for viola)
Duets, trios, quartets and more
Rustic Variations for 4-part cello ensemble (2018) price TBD
Composed for cellist Diane Platte.
An attractive set of variations based on the principal theme of
W. H. Squire’s Danse rustique, op. 20
Violists on the March for 4-part viola ensemble (2017) price TBD
Commissioned by the American Viola Society.
Lively, exuberant music dedicated to all who have marched in support of humanity.
Elegy (for victims of violence) for viola quartet or 4-part ensemble – free PDF on request
Composed originally for string orchestra in November 2019 on the evening following another school shooting, and premiered three days later by the Coe College Orchestra with the composer conducting.
Duration: 3:00
Two Viola Duets (2013) $3.75
Composed for performance by the composer with students attending the 2013 Viola Celebration at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Jenna’s Duet features compound meters and remote modulations, while Lakeisha’s Duet borrows from the styles of Telemann, Vivaldi, and Bach.
Four Modal Tunes for two violas $3.00
Duets composed for violists at upper elementary level, these delightful tunes introduce students to the engaging sounds of Dorian, Phrygian, Aeolian, and Mixolydian modes, a welcome and ear-opening alternative to a steady diet of only major and occasional minor keys!
Available also for two violins or two cellos. All have the same key signature, two sharps, so can be played by any combination of violins, violas, or cellos!
Six Little Pieces for two violas $3.00
Duets composed for violists at upper elementary level, these six short pieces in contrasting characters invite young players to experience both calm and lively playing styles.
Available also for two violins or two cellos. All have the same key signature, two sharps, so can be played by any combination of violins, violas, or cellos!
Vals con Variación for two violas $3.00
This charming waltz with a variation, for violists at intermediate level, is accompanied by waltz rhythm with easy double stops.
For Nina (a waltz) for two violas $3.00
A lyrical and dramatic waltz for violists fluent through 5th position, with a fair amount of chromaticism in both parts.
The Bells of San Marino for three violas $3.00
This trio for violists at the elementary level, with three short movements (Joyous, Calm, and Lively), is meant to suggest the ringing of the 11th-century bells of the Three Towers on the peaks of Monte Titano, high above San Marino.
Suite in Baroque Style $4.50
a very popular item for intermediate players not yet ready to play an entire Bach suite; prelude and six dance movements, all playable in first position.
Please specify version(s) desired:
2 violas (in G)
2 violins (in D)
violin & viola (in D)
2 cellos (in G)
Duo Sonata in Classical Style $3.75
Papa Haydn would approve (I hope)! Four movements (sonata form, theme & variations, minuet & trio, and rondo), full of delightful melodies (mostly 3rd pos.) with active, interesting accompaniment (all 1st position). Please specify version(s) desired:
2 violas (in C major)
2 violins (in G)
violin & viola (in G)
Acrobatic Violists for two violas $3.00
These duets for two “dexterous, dynamic daredevils” can be played seriously as exercises in arpeggiation, shifting (through 7th position), and harmonics, or humorously as amusing showpieces that sound more difficult than they really are (if practiced!!).
Eight Duets for two violas $9.00
These duet versions of the Eight Studies are attractive as recital pieces!
Short character pieces, they employ finger exercises, double stops, various bowing techniques, and positions half through fifth.
Four Canons for two violas $5.25
Canons 1, 3, and 4 are twelve-tone; canon 2 is an homage to Hindemith; plenty of challenging rhythms and chromatics to keep players alert! Positions 1-4; total duration 6 mins.
A reviewer for Strad described these canons as “austere but brief.” Do you agree? I love it!
Dialog i Krakowiak for two violas $5.25 (also available in the original sax/viola version) a contemplative, lyrical dialogue and a lively Krakovian dance in the spirit of Polish folk music; a stunning duo based on the solo Monolog i Krakowiak (See under Unaccompanied Solos.) positions 1-7; duration c. 8 mins.
Dark Woods for viola and marimba $21.00
in four movements: an evocative introduction, a lively fugue, a somber movement for solo viola, and a mysterious movement for solo marimba, the viola rejoining to conclude with a brilliant return of the fugue material. viola positions 1-7; duration 12 minutes
Vanishing Woods for viola and clarinet $12.00
Music inspired by the beauty of woods and forests and reflecting concern about the environmental impact of deforestation. Intense outcries, quiet murmurs, quotations of the hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth,” a dissonant climax, and a wistful conclusion.
Premiered at Carnegie Hall April 7, 2015. viola positions 1-7; duration 12 mins.
Reflection for 3-part viola ensemble $6.00
[Price includes three copies, each containing all three parts in score format.]
In memory of Francis Bundra, who taught viola for many years at Interlochen and at the University of Michigan; premiered at Interlochen in June 2001. Serene and meditative in character; positions 1-5; duration 6 mins.
A Few Ragtime Trios $6.00
[Price includes three copies, each containing all three parts in score format.]
In the spirit of Scott Joplin’s famous piano rags, these trios can be played by three (or more) violists (poitions 1-3). Since the upper parts are in treble clef, violinists can also join the fun (with permission of the violists, of course!).
Three Armenian Impressions for oboe, clarinet, and viola $15.00
a beautiful trio version of the original viola solo.
winter awakening (2017) for viola quartet $5.25
Composed for young violists Sofia Gilchenok and Jenna Walters as a duet all in double stops (!!), this was later made into a more playable viola quartet. This peaceful music brings to my mind a quote from physicist Albert Einstein: “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.”
Dancing Viola! for viola quartet $6.00
a delightful set of three short pieces composed in 2011 for the Dancing Viola ensemble of Seoul, South Korea; positions 1-3; duration c. 6 minutes
Three Quirky Little Pieces for 4-part viola ensemble or string quartet
(Please specify version desired.)
Three short movements: “Rambling Rag,” “Wandering Waltz,” and “Misbehaving March.” Humorous!
First and third positions (some fifth pos. for first viola) syncopated rhythms, chromatic scales, etc. Duration 7-8 minutes.
Traveling Music for 4-part viola ensemble or string quartet $6.00
for string quintet (2 violins, viola, cello, bass) $7.00
Three short movements: “moving along,” “quiet, mysterious,” and “lively.” Great fun for all ages.
Playable in first position, uses all basic finger patterns, syncopated rhythms. Duration 5-6 minutes.
(The string quartet version of the first movement has been played since 2006 as the theme music for Iowa Public Radio’s “Symphonies of Iowa” broadcasts.)
Two Pieces in Spanish Style for 4-part viola ensemble $4.50
Fans of Fantasía Hispana (and there are many!) may also enjoy this enchanting and delightful musical excursion to Spain.
Viola Fight Song for 4-part viola ensemble $5.25
In the vigorous style of a college athletics fight song, “VFS” quotes seven best-loved themes from viola solo repertoire: Berlioz Harold in Italy, Brahms Sonata in E-flat, Stamitz Concerto in D, Telemann Concerto in G, Bartok Concerto, J. C. Bach/Casadesus Concerto in C Minor, J. S. Bach Suite No. 1 (Gigue). Also invites solo improvisation from the performers.
Two Viola Love Songs for 4-part viola ensemble $5.25
Two tender (some might say sappy) tunes for violists who really love making beautiful music together: I Really Love to Play Viola and Lost Without My Beautiful Viola.
Violapalooza! for 4-part viola ensemble $3.00
(score and set of parts)
Planning your own Violapalooza? Or just getting together with a few (or more) of your favorite violists for the sheer fun of it?
If so, you need appropriate music, and what could be better than a viola quartet called Violapalooza! This lively little piece will get everyone in the mood for a really good time.
Violas on Fire! for 4-part viola ensemble $6.00
(score and set of parts)
If you thought nothing could follow Violapalooza or the infamous Viola Fight Song, consider Violas on Fire!
Inspired by the Firewood Quartet and what makes a viola different from (better than?) a violin (it burns longer!!!), this outrageous concoction of sounds will leave your audience screaming (for more?)! Duration 3-1/2 scary minutes.
Also available in a version for viola solo with string orchestra.
(See Accompanied Solos.)
In Memoriam 9/11 for oboe, violin or viola, cello, and harpsichord
Composed for a premiere one year after the 9/11 attacks, this music begins and ends with violent outbursts and plaintive, contrapuntally intertwining melodies. At its center is dirge-like music over a repeated descending bass line. Duration 9 minutes.
Knoxville: Autumn of 2013 for 5-part viola ensemble $10.50
Inspired by Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and composed for performance by massed violas at the October 2013 Viola Celebration at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, this work begins with a brief quotation from Barber’s work, followed by music meant to evoke the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, some simple folk-like dance music, and finally a rousing “Viola Team Fight Song” (with lyrics!!) inspired by Tennessee’s spirited “Rocky Top Tennessee.” Duration 5-6 minutes.
Fanfare, Interlude, and Finale for trombone, viola, and cello A brilliant fanfare dominated by the trombone, a wistful interlude with intertwining voices, and a lively finale. Making brief appearances are the Walton Viola Concerto, the Brahms E minor cello sonata, and a famous trombone solo from Milhaud’s La Création du Monde. Why? Why not! Duration: 7 minutes.
STRING ORCHESTRA MUSIC
(price includes score and 4-4-3-4-2 set of parts except as noted)
Elegy for string orchestra Composed in November 2019 on the evening following yet another horrible school shooting, and premiered three days later by the Coe College Orchestra with the composer conducting.
Duration: 3:00 A FREE PDF of this music can be requested by contacting the composer at mkimber@centurylink.net
This music was composed as an elegy for all who have died as victims of violence. At the premiere of this Elegy, the audience was asked to remain silent at its conclusion–as silent as the voices of those who are no longer with us–but not to remain silent once leaving this hall, for it is up to each and every one of us to speak for those who no longer can. Their deaths must not be forgotten!
Perseverance for string orchestra $18.00
Music inspired by perseverance, the persistence to achieve our goals despite opposition, discouragement, or past failures. Composed during the 2020 pandemic. Received honorable mention in the 75th Anniversary Composition Competition of the American String Teachers Association
Duration: 4:10
Determination for string orchestra $18.00
Music inspired by determination, the firm, focused intention to achieve a desired goal, undeterred by difficulty or uncertainty. Composed during the 2020 pandemic.
Duration: 4:45
March to the Future! for string orchestra $15.00
Uplifting music inspired by the worldwide women’s marches of early 2017
Playable by a good junior high school orchestra. Duration: 3:00
Adventure Overture for string orchestra $12.00
An exciting piece that will probably bring to mind film music of John Williams (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, etc.); playable by a good high school orchestra. Duration: 2:40
Rustic Dances for string orchestra $21.00
This is evocative music for young (or young at heart) orchestras, and maybe young dancers, too. Duration 8-9 minutes.
Odyssey for string orchestra $15.00
Imagine yourself on a journey to some exciting faraway place.
Let lively rhythms and soaring melodies carry you there.
Duration 3:30.
Celebration Fanfare for string quartet, string quintet, or orchestra $6.00
Optional bass part enables performance by string quintet or string orchestra.
[Price includes full score and one set of parts. Extra parts only 75¢ each; please buy-don’t copy!] A brilliant, lively concert opener; great for children’s or pops concerts, “serious” events, too; composed in 2003 for students at the Heartland Chamber Music Academy; positions 1-3 (cello thumb position). Duration 2 mins.
Traveling Music for string orchestra $18.00
Three short movements: “moving along,” “quiet, mysterious”, and “lively.” Attractive music that will appeal to all ages. Also available for string quartet. Playable in first position, uses all basic finger patterns, syncopated rhythms. Duration 5-6 minutes.
Retail music dealers: please inquire about wholesale cost of items above.
PLEASE NOTE: The following ensemble works of Michael Kimber cannot be purchased directly from the composer. These are published by Tempo Press and can be purchased online from Luck’s Music Library.
Traveling for string orchestra and harp (Luck’s catalog # 40764)
Experience the excitement, adventure, and joy of traveling to imagined destinations in this evocative programmatic work.
(Please note: This is not the same piece as Traveling Music.)
La Folia variations for 4-part viola ensemble (Luck’s catalog # 240-6601)
A very popular setting of variations on this beloved ancient melody.
Festival Overture for 6-part viola ensemble (Luck’s catalog # 260-6600)
Celebratory music for a viola festival or any other festive event involving violas!
Country Club Rag (Scott Joplin, arr. Kimber) for 4 violas (Luck’s catalog # 240-6600) Violas get to enjoy playing this famous rag, originally for piano.
Meditation for cello ensemble (Luck’s catalog # 340-6600)
With beautiful harmonies and serene melodic lines, this work can be played in its full version featuring two soloists, or in its original shorter version from m. 49 to the end.
Players and teachers of violin and viola, don’t forget to have a look at Michael Kimber’s amazingly comfortable poly-pad shoulder rest, increasing in popularity every year since its invention in 1990. Visit https://michaelkimber.com.