Violin Spaces

"Often in a humoristic manner and always with musical expression in focus, these eight pieces are perfect for every violinist to practice playing techniques and to enhance the enthusiasm to experiment and the joy of playing." (Carolin Widmann) 'This collection of concert studies for violin explores what are often referred to as “extended techniques”. These are for the most part techniques which are already present in classical music in a secondary role, but which have now, through continuous development, come to occupy a musical place of primary importance. Each of the studies concentrates on a single technique, investigating how it works technically, and exploring its musical possibilities. They are called “Spaces” because as well as being concert pieces, they are intended to open up spaces for exploration, discussion and improvisation around these techniques. They are also intended to be enjoyable to play, to work on and to listen to. Far from being an esoteric handbook of complex techniques reserved for contemporary music specialists, these “Spaces” are designed to help all violinists to explore, in a playful and imaginative way, the possibilities of their instrument and to discover some sounds and techniques that will have very tangible positive effects on their playing of all styles of music. We can all extend our techniques by opening up the space around them and taking them to their limits. The Violin Spaces are dedicated to Diamanda Dramm, whose talent, enthusiasm, suggestions and feedback were an enormous help to me in the construction of these ”Spaces”.' (Garth Knox)