MacMillan, James: Piano Sonata (1985) 14'
for piano
World Premiere
2/26/1989
Purcell Room, London
Rolf Hind, piano /
Composer's Notes
1. Adagio
2. Grandioso ed affretando
3. Adagio
I wrote my Piano Sonata during a bitter Ayrshire winter and recall the barren trees and hard frozen ground of a landscape that was empty and silent but for the harsh, hollow cry from the rookeries. This is reflected in the Sonata’s tolling, mournful chords, with its bursts of violent, or delicate and icy, figuration. Throughout the three movements the music conveys a mood of elegy, of despair and desolation.
James MacMillan
Reproduction Rights
This programme note can be reproduced free of charge in concert programmes with a credit to the composer
Press Quotes
"...intense lonely landscapes, wild gestures and beautifully-spaced harmonies."
Musical Times
Recommended Recording
John York
Black Box BBM 1067
for piano
World Premiere
2/26/1989
Purcell Room, London
Rolf Hind, piano /
Composer's Notes
1. Adagio
2. Grandioso ed affretando
3. Adagio
I wrote my Piano Sonata during a bitter Ayrshire winter and recall the barren trees and hard frozen ground of a landscape that was empty and silent but for the harsh, hollow cry from the rookeries. This is reflected in the Sonata’s tolling, mournful chords, with its bursts of violent, or delicate and icy, figuration. Throughout the three movements the music conveys a mood of elegy, of despair and desolation.
James MacMillan
Reproduction Rights
This programme note can be reproduced free of charge in concert programmes with a credit to the composer
Press Quotes
"...intense lonely landscapes, wild gestures and beautifully-spaced harmonies."
Musical Times
Recommended Recording
John York
Black Box BBM 1067
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