Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonatina

Compose Date

:

Feb 2, 1956

Publication Date

:

1957

Average_duration

:

7:51

Bohuslav Martinu's 'Sonatina for trumpet & piano, H. 357' is a three-movement work composed in 1956. The piece was premiered in New York City on March 17, 1957, by the trumpeter Rafael Méndez and pianist John Ogdon. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, begins with a lively trumpet melody that is soon joined by the piano. The two instruments engage in a playful dialogue, with the trumpet often taking the lead. The middle section of the movement features a lyrical trumpet solo, which is then echoed by the piano. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, with the trumpet and piano trading off short phrases. The second movement, marked Andante, is a slow and introspective piece. The trumpet plays a mournful melody over a simple piano accompaniment. The middle section of the movement features a more complex trumpet line, with the piano providing a counterpoint. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, with the trumpet playing a haunting melody that fades away into silence. The final movement, marked Allegro, is a lively and energetic piece. The trumpet and piano engage in a fast-paced dialogue, with the trumpet playing rapid runs and the piano providing a rhythmic accompaniment. The middle section of the movement features a slower trumpet melody, which is then developed into a virtuosic trumpet solo. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, with the trumpet and piano racing to the finish line. Overall, Martinu's 'Sonatina for trumpet & piano, H. 357' is a charming and engaging work that showcases the virtuosity of both the trumpet and piano. The piece is characterized by its playful dialogue between the two instruments, as well as its use of contrasting tempos and moods.

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