Composer

:

Alec Wilder

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1954

Average_duration

:

11:18

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Alec Wilder's Sonata for Horn and Piano No. 1 is a three-movement work composed in 1963. The piece was premiered on March 17, 1964, by hornist John Barrows and pianist David Bar-Illan at the Juilliard School in New York City. The first movement, marked "Moderato," begins with a lyrical horn melody that is soon joined by the piano. The two instruments engage in a dialogue, with the horn often taking the lead. The movement is characterized by its flowing lines and gentle, pastoral mood. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively scherzo. The horn and piano trade off playful, syncopated rhythms, with the horn occasionally breaking into a virtuosic solo. The movement is marked by its energy and humor. The final movement, marked "Lento," is a slow, introspective piece. The horn begins with a mournful melody, which is echoed by the piano. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. The movement is characterized by its emotional depth and expressive lyricism. Overall, Wilder's Sonata for Horn and Piano No. 1 is a beautiful and engaging work that showcases the expressive capabilities of both the horn and the piano. Its three movements offer a range of moods and styles, from pastoral lyricism to playful humor to emotional introspection.

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