Violin Sonata

for violin and piano

duration appr. 11 min.

Program Notes:

Violin Sonata was written for and with the assistance of Sarah Washburn, who’s dedication to craft and performance I find amazing.

Violin Sonata is a piece in the neo-classic tradition.  It utilizes extended and mutated instances of tonality and form in a very abstract way.  Much in the spirit of Stravinsky’s middle period, this piece also is reminiscent of Bartok, Debussy and others.  My intention was not to mimic or parody, but rather to explore the idea of a sort of pure music devoid of programmatic elements and modern compositional approaches; a piece that is meant to exist simply as music, nothing more, nothing less…

So sit back, don’t get too analytical, and enjoy the music.

-Ryan Jesperson
April 21st, 2007

Violin Sonata was premiered on June 9th, 2008 by Sarah Washburn and Tamila Azadaliyeva as part of a NACUSA East Coast Chapter Concert. The recording is from a rehearsal the week before.

(above) Sarah and Tamila ready to perform. (below) The dress rehearsal.