Richard Lane

Quartet for 4 violas - 1978

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The four movements of this charismatic suite Quartet for violas (1978) demonstrate that Richard Lane was inspired by master composers who have created the milestones of music history but show he was also cognizant of the harmonic practices of his own time, without relying on fashionable musical trends.
Lane's music is characterized by subtle interlaced melodies which are supported by rich American harmonic textures that captivate the listener's soul quickly and inspire an emotional response while allowing freedom for performers to share their expressive intent.
This work is dedicated to Myron Rosenblum, founder of the American Viola Society.


Program notes

In January 1978, Richard Lane was 45 years old when he conceived his Quartet for violas, which he dedicated to his friend Myron Rosenblum, founder of the American Viola Society, to whom he dedicated thirteen other viola works. Rosenblum left an indelible mark on the viola and viola d'amore music of Lane (in addition, Lane also composed for other violists). While Lane's primary instrument was the piano, the viola and viola d'amore became two of his favorite instruments due to Rosenblum's influence.
The four movements of this charismatic suite demonstrate that Lane was inspired by master composers who have created the milestones of music history but show he was also cognizant of the harmonic practices of his own time, without relying on fashionable musical trends.
Lane enjoyed hosting musical salon evenings at his home to share and talk about music, and most importantly, make music with friends with pieces such as his Quartet for violas. Lane was a gifted musician whose music is characterized by subtle interlaced melodies which are supported by rich American harmonic textures that captivate the listener's soul quickly and inspire an emotional response while allowing freedom for performers to share their expressive intent.
While Lane composed pieces for various instruments for members of top-tiered ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and Philadelphia Orchestra, he also composed for friends who were amateur musicians as well as for students, without any concern for the works to ever be published. Lane was very modest with no ambition to become famous.He simply loved to compose music...

Editor's note:
The manuscripts left by Richard Lane are always minimal as regards tempi, articulations, dynamics and expressions (similar to Baroque or Classical manuscripts). We have chosen to preserve Lane's spartan system (Urtext), which represents the faith he had toward performers, leaving them free and responsible for individual interpretation.