Vitula

Written for solo violin and orchestra, Vitula encompasses the identity of the violin. Stalwart yet tender, vibrant yet subtle, luscious yet fiery, the violin possesses a persona all of its own. Scholars believe that the word violin originated from the Latin word vitula. Vitula (Vee-tu-la) is also the Roman Goddess of joy through victory. In celebration of her joy for life, she was given the first fruits of the harvest. Because of this, vitula is also thought to be the origin of the word vita, meaning life. Music and life cannot escape on another; they go in tandem, and the energy created through music holds the ability to transcend the mind, body, and soul. This work exemplifies the potentiality for vitality, joy through victory, and serenity within the beauty of the instrument, the vitula.