Walter H. Rubsamen Music Library

Sonata for piano (2014) was inspired in part by Stravinsky’s Piano Sonata (1924). Agitato opens with a motif set in 4+6/8 time around a whole-tone pattern. This short introduction is followed by the main melody of the sonata-allegro form, which enters quietly, accompanied by left-hand figuration. The second subject is set in augmented triads, a lush melody which is expanded and developed with triplet right-hand figuration. The development section includes jazz-like interspersions above the opening accompaniment pattern, moving through various tonal centers. The second subject is developed with a meter change to 4/4, and then combined with the jazzy riffs’ motif, building to the recapitulation. A coda finishes this first movement, bringing together elements of the jazzy motif with the octave patterns from the introduction, building to a rousing conclusion.

The second movement, Call of the Sirens, which dates from 2006, opens with an undulating left-hand ostinato on a whole-tone scale providing the backdrop for a suspended melody. Inspired by the calls of ‘sirens’ in Greek mythology to ships at sea, the movement of water with the eerie call above is developed in patterns between the hands. The sea becomes more tumultuous - the piece builds to a climax before the opening, floating melody is restated with minor 9^th dissonances coloring the call as it fades away.

Toccata was also written in 2006, opening with an angular melody accompanied by taps on the piano case and foot stomps. The second melody is introduced high in the piano register, then developed in mixed meters, in combination with the opening motif. The middle section of this movement begins with a bell tolling, with a gentle waltz ensuing. This melody is then set as a mazurka, with the emphasis on beat two, and then developed between the waltz and mazurka rhythms. The opening material returns, with octaves expanding the motivic development. The final coda includes crashes of sound, with the score indicating that as many notes as possible should be pressed down simultaneously in both hands, between the indicated octaves.