Partners in Rhyme – David Evan Thomas

Composer: David Evan Thomas Instrumentation: Viola and cello Duration: approx. 10' minutes Date Written:  1999 Commissioned by: Shirley Kysilko Program Notes: Partners in Rhyme was commissioned by Shirley Kysilko in honor of Tom Kysilko’s 51st birthday. Shirley is a cellist and Tom, her husband, a violist. The four movements describe a journey, and what is a partnership if not a journey? The opening “Dialogue” contains some heated discussion. “Valse nostalgique” allows time for question and reflection. The walking bass of “Air” lends a Bachian flavor. “Jaunt” returns to the high spirits of the opening. There are a variety of techniques in this string duo: pizzicato, harmonics, chords, and lots of opportunity for lyrical expression.