Dinos Constantinides
SONATA for violin and piano
(1971, 1977)
Edited
DANAE PAPAMATTHEOU-MATSCHKE
EPN 1371
ISMN 979-0-69151-807-6
Pages: 36
Size: 235 x 320 mm
According to Dinos Constantinides the sonata, which was written in 1971, was initially for viola and piano. The work has been transcribed for cello and piano (LRC021b) and for violin and piano (LRC021c) by the composer himself. The current version was revised and published in 1977. According to the edition LRC021c “The Sonata for Violin and Piano is the most strictly twelve-tone work in the composer`s output. The piece also makes use of the compositional technique of isorhythm. The three movements are moderate, slow and fast, all three characterized by long sweeping melodies.”
The thematic material of the entire work is presented in the opening of the first movement Moderato (measures 1-13). The Moderato, as being the main movement, adheres to a clear sonata form, as such has been described by the 19th century theorists. One of the main pillars for the functionality of this form – the existence of a tonic center – is transformed in Constantinides’ sonata and adapts to a strict 12-tone context. The tonic center is replaced by the frequent recurrence of themes from the same initiating pitches (G# and D).
Constantinides’ violin-piano sonata can be classified as a “neoclassical 12-tone” work. Arguably, it is not just a mere revival of an obsolete form but an imaginative and complex composition that illustrates strong originality within very strict limits.
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