Description

In this sonata, calm passages alternate with extremely lively ones in traditional style. The piano plays in chordal style most of the time as real accompaniment, with polyphonic ensemble playing not being given special emphasis. The sonata is characterized by melodious cantilenas of the violin, intricate rhythms and almost symphonic tonal eruptions alike. The piece demands great technical skills while actually seeming to be easy to grasp.

Mustonen is one of the virtuoso pianists-composers of the younger generation. In his works, he often refers to the history and culture of his home country Finland. He performed the world premiere of his Violin Sonata with the young Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto in London in April 2013.

Instrumentation

vln, pno

Category

Chamber Works

Premiere

Pekka Kuusisto, violin; Olli Mustonen, piano, April 11, 2013, London

Movements

I Grave – II Allegretto – III Colossale

Commisioned by / dedications

Commissioned by Wigmore Hall

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