Amethyst Fire captures the otherworldly resonance of the viola when tuned with two Cs and two Gs. The work is freely composed and explores this tuning in a variety of musical scenarios, ranging from contemplative tranquility to roaring, explosive activity. 

These scenarios reminded me of fire and its many different aspects, from peaceful, mesmerizing flames smoldering in a hearth to wild, whipping blazes in nature. The symbolic color of the viola – purple – is captured musically in amethyst-like quality through jagged leaps and powerful, steady grooves, making use of this resonant and crystalline tuning.