The piano score and viola part to Colin Matthews’ Four Moods

The movements of Four Moods for viola and piano were written separately in 1999 (Oscuro and Calmo) and 2006 (Luminoso and Scorrevole), and last a total of 17 ½ minutes. The opening Luminoso offers skittish fanfares, Matthews leaning into the viola’s shy disposition; it is succeeded by the darkly swaying Oscuro. A nervy, scherzo-like Scorrevole follows, with scuttling passagework; the 6-minute final movement Calmo closes the work with a resigned elegy.