Tabea Zimmermann premiered the six movements of this work which exploits the possibilities of the viola to the utmost · from the lyrical to explosive chromatic double-stopping. Incorporating Eastern European folktunes, abstract polyphony as well as repeated subtle fragments of sonata form, this is a miniature version of Ligeti's vast musical cosmology. Though virtuosic the piece is idiom-atic and of exquisite craftsmanship and artifice. A must for all advanced players.