Augusta Read Thomas - Composer - Chamber Music

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For violin and piano
Also a version for viola and piano
Commissioned by Christopher and Douglas Toft for their parents, Richard and Marietta, in honor of their respective 70th and 65th birthdays
Premiered by Rachel Barton Pine, violin, and Matthew Hagle, piano, Chicago, Illinois, 28 October 2006
Duration: 6 minutes

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Toft Serenade for violin and piano, composed in 2006, is a six- minute duo commissioned by Christopher and Douglas Toft for their parents, Richard and Marietta, in honor of their respective 70th and 65th birthdays. It was premiered by Rachel Barton Pine, violin and Matthew Hagle, piano in Chicago on October 28, 2006 at a private party. This Serenade is organic and, at every level, concerned with transformations and connections.

A version for viola and piano also exists of Toft Serenade. It is identical, just transposed down a perfect fifth.

Augusta Read Thomas

Stephen Brookes, The Washington Post
Music review: High-class experimentalism from League of the Unsound Sound

"Augusta Read Thomas's Toft Serenade from 2006 has so much presence it seems sculpted; perhaps that was due to the extraordinary performance by violinist Courtney Orlando."

To obtain examination or performance material for any of Augusta Read Thomas's works, please contact G. Schirmer Inc..

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