In 1999 I wrote a clarinet sonata called the "Last Chance" Sonata because it was my last 20th-century work, and in a slightly retro (for me, meaning pre-minimalist) idiom. In 2016, violist/violinist Helena Baillie asked me if I had considered arranging it for viola. I hadn't, and three of the movements didn't seem appropriate for a string instrument. But the slow third movement, called "Apparition," was perfect, so I quickly did the required editing - which required some expansion to take advantage of the instrument's beautiful low register, which otherwise would have been neglected. I dedicate it to Helena with thanks for giving me the idea.

Kyle Gann

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