Leonovich - Sonatensatz, Op. 57 (2004) for Cello and Piano

Sonatensatz was originally planned out as a multi-movement work based on three motifs: death, life and conflict. By the time of the premiere of the work, the composer felt that everything was said that needed to be said in one movement. The work begins with a brief slow introduction where all of the motifs are treated and developed as fragments.

Sonatensatz was originally planned out as a multi-movement work based on three motifs: death, life and conflict. By the time of the premiere of the work, the composer felt that everything was said that needed to be said in one movement. The work begins with a brief slow introduction where all of the motifs are treated and developed as fragments. The rest of the piece explores the melodic and harmonic capabilities of the motifs. The piano opens the first fast section with a melody based on the “life” motif. This melody may be traced throughout the piece. The underlying harmonies are almost exclusively based on the “death” motif and the “conflict” chord. The work ends with the “death” motif. This work was orchestrated and transformed into a three-movement cello concerto in 2006.

Listen here: https://youtu.be/bfI6lNhSbT0