Violin Sonata

This Sonata was originally conceived as a group of three independent movements that would be strongly marked from each other in both form and content. In fact, during the process of composition, I realised that the pieces were becoming increasingly related to each other in a way that suggested a sonata-like structure. In the midst of composition, I found myself in the uncomfortable predicament of having to supply programme notes - as one sometimes has perforce to do - for the premiere at the Cheltenham Music Festival in July 2002. I couched my programme notes in ambiguous terms in order to allow some creative freedom and avoid inhibition but in the event, only the first and third movements were performed as I was dissatisfied with the sketches for the middle movement. I felt that a more precise relationship to the design of the Sonata was required.

So the central Presto was completed the following year and follows a broad first movement that contrasts music of relatively free rhythm and dissonant intensity with that of diatonic simplicity and a stable pulse. The Presto is a projection of elements heard in the piano part of the previous movement; in particular an arpeggio reiterated over three descending notes under an E major pedal-point in the violin. This movement is not without moments of violence and is quite demanding for both players.

The last movement represents a 'return to grace' although this too is gradually invaded by the descending 3rd idea. Being in the remote tonal area of C sharp major, it is intended as a reconciliation of conflicting elements from the previous movements and a summation of the mediant tonal relationships of the Sonata.

Click a score sample below to view a larger version of the score...

1. Quasi improvvisazione

2. Presto

3. Allegretto

Review: Prospero's Isle CD

Posted on: Saturday 15th September 2012

"Seldom does one hear new music that marries such daunting technical skill and virtuosic demands with so much ease and life-affirming joy"
Mark Lehmann, American Record Guide

View CD details and read full review...

Works:  Piano Quartet | Prospero's Isle | String Trio | Violin Sonata

Prospero's Isle - Guild releases composer portrait CD

Saturday 16th July 2011

Read more...

"The four works on this CD demonstrate beyond question the vital role tonal music has to play in today's culture and reflect the composer's close association with some of the most talented and celebrated international artists, many of whom gave the world premieres of these works.
This selection of James Francis Brown's exciting, visionary and emotionally rewarding chamber music is captured for the first time on this recording. This is a tour de force of contemporary virtuosity and lyrical intensity." Guild Web review

Works:  Piano Quartet | Prospero's Isle | String Trio | Violin Sonata

World Premiere: Violin Sonata

Tuesday 29th April 2003

Jack Liebeck, violin | Katya Apekisheva, piano | Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham

Works:  Violin Sonata