Originally composed in 2006, Viola Rampage is coming to Kendor’s catalog in fall of 2015. The piece is a musical depiction of what might happen if the Violas became angry enough to force their way into the spotlight. It is a perennial favorite among those who know it, and easily my most performed piece.
For those of you familiar with the work, the published version will be slightly more difficult than the original, moving it from a level 1 to a level 2, as the publisher thought the concept of the piece would better resonate with more experienced ensembles. The new version adds some easy double stops to the viola part to enhance its ferocity, and a lovely C string passage in the violas to counterbalance the violin’s searing E string melody.