Sonata for Cello and Piano (2000)

This Sonata was commissioned in 1999 by Beryl Calver-Jones and Gerry Mattock and is the second in a series of commissions reflecting their support and encouragement of my work. They had the notion that it would be enjoyable and amusing to have individual portraits for four friends; themselves, and the first performers, Robert Irvine and myself. Listeners may judge themselves what the four may be like!

Prelude (Allegro moderato) for GM
An insistent jazz-inspired theme is pondered and looked at from every angle before being passed to the...

Scherzo (Allegro) for SFB which follows on without a break, taking up the theme and developing it further.

Ballad (Lento) for BC-J
Simple melody and accompaniment gives way to a birdsong. An atmosphere of calm pervades, exploring the lyricism of the cello.

Variations (Andante marcato) for RI
A forthright theme is stated in unison on cello and piano, then moves through various moods of hesitancy, lyricism and virtuosity before resolving on to a final dramatic statement, followed by a wistful coda that erupts into a fiery ending.