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(Shamelessly copied verbatim from the YouTube description)

http://www.NickAriondo.com. Nick Ariondo's "Fantasia for Solo (Unaccompanied) Viola" was composed for virtuoso violist John Acevedo -- a tour de force/piece de resistance a la Paganini which displays the complete versatility of the viola in the hands of a master performer. Composer Ariondo, through his longtime association with John Acevedo, wanted to write a solo work for viola, unaccompanied, where the viola would fulfill the role as soloist and accompanist -- a most challenging and adventerous task for both performer and composer. Nick worked closely with Mr. Acevedo in better understanding the viola's bowing style & technichal facility. Realizing the depth and dynamic scope as portrayed in this video, Ariondo incorporates the use of extreme dynamic range, expressive character and color/timbre variations while utilizing intricate rhythms/melodic patterns and bowing techniques that demand full control, stamina and virtuosity on the instrument. Upon seeing & hearing this performance, the full potential of the viola's artistic quality, versatility and virtuosity becomes apparent. ...The "Fantasia" underwent several drafts and revisions until the composer became fully satisfied with this final version. As an accordionist/composer, this is one of the few compositions Nick Ariondo has composed without including the accordion....From the energetic opening cadenza, to the slow melodic section, to the repetitive short phrases developing into a lively 6/8 Middle-Eastern dance, the "Fantasia" eventually works its way back to the Adagio section, ending dramatically with a trance-like high tremolo effect with the viola bow quietly disappearing behind the viola's bridge .... ...... Congratulations to violist John Acevedo for his marvelous interpretation and enormous talent.