Separation

for violin duo
(1999)

A recording of students performing separation can be heard here:
Separation

The title of this composition refers to the way the two violin parts interact with each other. At the start of the piece, both violins play slow music and seem to agree on a rather quiet, sad and lyrical style. But before too long, the first violin starts playing faster, more energetic music while the second violin tries to remain slow and lyrical. A dialogue, or dispute, occurs between the two violins. The result is that the second violin returns to the opening lyrical idea while the first violin continues playing fast music. Essentially, the personalities of the two violins have separated and they no longer relate to each other in the same way.

(Duration Ca. 4:30)