scoring: 3 violas and accordion
duration: 10 minutes
composed: 1994-1995
dedication: in memory of Lionel Tertis
published by Novello/Wise Music (see here)
available for sale
First performed on 23 February 2024 at the Royal Academy of Music, London by
Peter Sheppard Skærved (viola)
Andrea Fages (viola)
Adonis Lau (viola)
Alise Silina (accordion)
Metier MEX 77209 (in preparation)
Celebratio super Ter in lyris Leo is scored for three violas, with accordion; the violas play thirteen short sections based on the anagram derived from the name of Lionel Tertis: "Ter in lyris leo", which means "The lion is thrice present in the instruments." The accordion plays music derived from the name itself: its role is that of an independent commentary on the viola music, rather than an accompaniment, since its twelve sections and their tempi are quite differently shaped, and never coincide. The difference between these two kinds of music is as great as that between the name and the anagram; the form of the music is entirely determined by the relation between them, which affects all aspects of the work, whether in terms of duration, register or pitch choice.
Justin Connolly
(source: manuscript)