Sonata No. 3 for violin & piano
Composed for Roger Zahab, this work was premiered by Mr. Zahab, violin, and Robert Frankenberry, piano, at the University of Pittsburgh’s Bellefield Auditorium on 27 January 2014. Mr. Zahab talks about the new and recent music included on this concert here.
The first movement (Always moving forward) begins quietly in the piano. Soon the violin enters with a lyrical theme that features a prominent upper neighbor motive. This theme expands and develops until it returns an octave higher at the first climactic moment of the piece. The climax then fades and dissolves into the next section of the movement, which provides certain contrasting melodic material. This section then leads to an aggressive, second climactic moment, one that brings a return of the opening mood. The return features bell-like figures in the piano accompaniment as the violin explores some variations on the principal lyrical theme. This music is followed by a restatement of the first climactic moment of the piece, but this time the climax is extended into a short coda before the music ends with a sweeping flourish.
The second movement unfolds in an arch design, where each section reflects what one may consider a reminiscence of a traditional sonata movement found in former practice. The outer sections are marked Allegretto e leggiero and are scherzo-like in character, with lively contrapuntal interplay between the instruments. The inner framing sections (With longing) provide contrasting slow music while the middle section of the movement (subito scherzando) suggests a kind of dance music in 3 with variations.
After an opening series of staccato chords in A major and some syncopated interplay, the piano introduces the principal theme of the third movement (Playfully). This theme is then picked up by the violin and developed between the two instruments. A contrasting section (marked sub. Majestic) brings a slower tempo with a suggestion of bluegrass fiddle playing in the violin supported by strongly accented chords in the piano. This section soon leads to a varied return of the opening music. And although the music has wandered freely and widely in this movement’s tonal journey, it closes with a lively extended coda that ends with an echo of the opening staccato chords, bringing us back to A major.
This Sonata was recorded in 2023 in Louisville by Sila Darville, violin, and Jessica Litwiniec Dorman, piano. This recording is included on a 2026 Ulysses Arts release of my chamber music (UA 260030) – link below.
You may order this composition below; if you would like to order a complete set of all three of my violin sonatas (scores and parts), please email me directly.
- Instrumentation:
- violin, piano
- Date completed:
- 2012
- Duration:
- ca. 18:00
- Audio:
1. Always moving forward
3. Playfully
2. Allegretto e leggiero
Featured Recording
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