Sonata No. 2 for Flute and Piano

From the Publisher

Twenty years after my first sonata for flute and piano Saraï's Laughter, this second sonata is not supported this time by a narration, its subject is simply the pleasure of singing. It is presented in four contrasting movements, Moderate – Lively – Slow – Very Lively and Joyful.

The first movement, calm and lyrical, is in ternary form. A gentle melody develops in an arch and leads to a bridge at the head of the theme. A second idea begins, breathless, carried by a passionate crescendo. The opening melody then returns in a lighter color, supported by gentle chimes on the piano.

The second movement, the most developed of the sonata, is very fast and in scherzo spirit. Built in five sections, it begins with the main motif of the flute movement, all speed and lightness. The second theme, authoritative and vertical, is given by the piano. A second, slower section recalls the spirit of the first movement. Then the crazy race resumes by combining the first two patterns. The fourth section finds the calm lyricism of the second, a moment of suspension of time before the return of the dizziness of speed which evaporates unexpectedly.

The third movement, in one piece, slow and hieratic, is a funeral lament which contrasts the mineral of the piano with the painful melismatic of the flute, which has become a sort of Greek aulos. The procession passes before us, filled with painful cries and sobs, then fades into the night.

Finally, the Finale presents a chord theme on the piano, which will serve as a varied refrain, then the flute leaps forward with two very joyful rhythmic motifs. Then begins a recapitulation of all the themes of the sonata, interspersed with the chord theme. At the end, a new theme of exultant lyricism appears. It will be followed by a frenzied coda on the chorus theme which has become frenetic.

Performance duration (approx): 16'

Movements

1. Andante. Rubato
2. Vivo scherzando
3. Hieratique
4. Molto vivo e giocoso

Item Details

Instrumentation

• Part 1: Flute
• Part 2: Piano