Dr. Vera Ivanova, Composer
Vera Ivanova,
composer

'...internationally recognized as an emerging artist of great talent.'

Campus Times (University of Rochester/Eastman)

Surface Tension

for Violin and Koto (2006)

The title of this piece was inspired by the visual similarity of the motion of water, being disturbed by an object (such as a stone), and a vibrating string, being plucked (on koto and violin) or bowed (on violin). Both the water and the string produce waves (vibrations), which we see on the surface of water, and which we hear as sound waves.

Program Notes:
Surface tension is understood to be an elastic quality of water that allows very light objects of a flat shape (such as a needle) to float on its surface. Waves on the water are produced, in part, due to this quality as well.
The title of this piece was inspired by the visual similarity of the motion of water, being disturbed by an object (such as a stone), and a vibrating string, being plucked (on koto and violin) or bowed (on violin). Both the water and the string produce waves (vibrations), which we see on the surface of water, and which we hear as sound waves. The result that we see is a water mass in motion, and what we hear is a complex field of sounds, which, through our ears, touches our emotions.

Instrumentation
Violin and Koto (17-string Bass koto)
Duration
c. 7 minutes
Click here to purchase the recording of Surface Tension. Click here to contact composer about this piece.

Performances:

November 10th, 2015
Surface Tension, for Violin and Koto (2006) - The Asian Art Ensemble
Konzerthaus Berlin (Berlin, GERMANY)
March 29th, 2007
Surface Tension, for Violin and Koto (2006)
Eastman School of Music, Schmitt Hall (Rochester, NY)
Women in Music Festival
February 17th, 2007
Surface Tension, for Violin and Koto (2006)
University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (Honolulu, HI)
Pia Liptak and Ryuko Mizutani recital
November 5th, 2006
Surface Tension, for Violin and Koto (2006)
Christ Church (Rochester, NY)
Pia Liptak and Ryuko Mizutani recital