Instrumentation: Violin
Duration: 3 minutes
Year: 2026
Audio Excerpt
Coming soon!
Program Notes
Percussive Pizzicato was generously commissioned by violinist Véronique Mathieu for her Études Project supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
As its title suggests, the piece is an exploration of right-hand pizzicato techniques. The core of the etude lies in its micro-exploration of timbral contrast. Formal and textural contrast is created through alternating between the flesh of the finger and the sharp click of the fingernail.
This is further heightened by the introduction of physical, extended techniques. Tapping directly on the wood of the violin and incorporating rhythmic foot stomps serves to expand the performance, blending the acoustic properties of the instrument with the performer’s own body.
Musically, Percussive Pizzicato is driven by a restless, dance-like energy. Constantly shifting time signatures keeps the rhythm unpredictable, transforming a study into a choreographic dance for the performer.
Score Sample
Score and Parts
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