Saxophone Sonata - Pedro Vilarroig

Performed by Joaquin Franco and Jesus Maria Gomez

I - Adagio: 0:00
II - Allegro grazioso: 3:46
III - Andante: 7:33
IV - Allegro: 12:45

Vilarroig's Saxophone sonata was composed in 2004, originally being scored in three movements, the saxophonist Joaquin Franco convinced the composer to add the final movement, thus balancing more the piece. The sonata also shows the influence of jazz music.

The first movement is monothematic. Begins with calm chords of the piano, followed by the exposition of a nostalgic theme by the saxophone. Follows a lyrical development of these materials, with the prominence of saxophone supported by the piano. A calm coda ends the movement

The second movement is a modified scherzo. Opens with a rhythmic and playful theme exposed in dialogues between the instruments. We don't find the typical contrasting trio, instead being a continuous development. The saxophone performs a long solo, before the music suddenly vanishes.

The third movement is also monothematic. Begins with a lyrical, romantic theme exposed by the saxophone. Follows the development of said theme, with some modulations and more expressive twists. Instead of a coda, the music slowly fragments and fades away calmly.

The fourth movement is monothematic in structure. A complex rhythmic theme is presented by the saxophone, full of fast twists and turns. The development is expressive, and full of an axxesible neoromanticism. An energic coda ends the work brilliantly.

Picture: "Going to Church" (1880) by the English painter John Atkinson Grimshaw

Musical analysis written by myself.

Видео Saxophone Sonata - Pedro Vilarroig канала Sergio Cánovas