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

Sonatensatz was originally planned as a multi-movement work based on three motifs: death, life, and conflict. By the time of the premiere, however, the composer felt that everything that needed to be said had already been expressed in a single movement.

The work begins with a brief slow introduction in which all three motifs are presented and developed as fragments. The rest of the piece explores their melodic and harmonic possibilities. The piano opens the first fast section with a melody based on the “life” motif, which can be traced throughout the work. The underlying harmonies are built almost entirely from the “death” motif and the “conflict” chord, and the piece ends with the “death” motif.

This work was later orchestrated and transformed into a three-movement cello concerto in 2006. Sonatensatz is suitable for intermediate cellists and works well for recitals, contemporary music programs, and performers interested in motivic development, dramatic form, and expressive modern writing.

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

ASTA level: 3