Five Test Pieces for Viola is set for world premiere by violist Matthew Darsey. The performance will take place as part of the Providence Chamber Music Series at Providence United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. The Providence Chamber Music Series is free and open to the public. The collection includes five short stand-alone pieces, each of which focuses on a single musical idea. Progressive rock (aka Prog Rock) was an important part of my musical past and a genre I still enjoy. Four of the five Test Pieces for Viola reference a musical idea from a progressive rock song. The reference is either rhythmic or melodic and is woven into the music in such a way that only the most astute listener will recognize the reference. One of the test pieces does not reference a specific Prog Rock song, but a musical style popularized in the mid-1960’s and became a frequent feature of the Prog Rock style. Also, one of the Prog Rock references will be know only to a handful of people. Email me with your best guesses. Look for scores and possibly a recording of the premiere concert to be posted soon.