Sonata (2007) The idea of duality plays itself out in several respects in this work ranging from the instrumentation (e.g., saxophone vs. piano) to the two halves of the work which are identical in intent but not execution. Both halves are structured in a two-part form as well: following a short recitative for saxophone, tumultuous energy overtakes the ensemble briefly and then dissipates to a nebulous, floating altissimo line. In the second half, the tumultuous energy returns once more, building in intensity until we are reminded of the recitative. Seeking to unify the work, the altissimo section from the first half returns, albeit with a new, but familiar, accompaniment figure based on the same pitch-class sets as before. Sonata was commissioned by Regina Cole during the cold month of February 2007.

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Sonata*

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

*Spring 2008. Regina Cole, alto saxophone. School of Music, Grinnell College. Grinnell, Iowa.

*Friday, 28 March 2008. Regina Cole, alto saxophone. Wallenberg Hall, Augustana College. Rock Island, Illinois.

Sunday, 11 November 2007. Regina Cole, alto saxophone; Marcelina Turcanu, piano. School of Music, The University of Iowa. Iowa City, Iowa.