RICHARD KARPEN: BICINIUM
for violin and viola (2014)
World Premiere: Michael Jinsoo Lim, violin; Melia Watras, viola; January 13, 2014, Meany Theater, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Program Notes:
There are only small differences between how we experience the past and the future. For the past we have tangible evidence that it existed. For the future we have just our expectations, desires, or fears for what will be. But we live in neither the past nor the future and can only experience them in our imaginations.
It’s always most enjoyable to compose for friends. Bicinium was composed for two of the best musicians and best people I know. Melia Watras and Mike Lim inspired this piece and while they are two people who always make others around them feel hopeful and optimistic, this is a somewhat nostalgic composition, a kind of meditation on the mysteries and intangibles of time and art.
—Richard Karpen