Anthony Davis: Violin Sonata

Violin Sonata was commissioned by the Carnegie Hall in New York as part of its centennial celebrations in 1991, and first performed on 3rd February of that year by Michelle Makarski and Brent McMunn. It isarelatively diffident three movement work, exploring heavy, tortuous sentiments without becoming overpowering. The Piano part sets up a series of repeating ostinati, with some interesting jazz influences and chordprogressions,which the Violin part cleverly plays against.

Anthony Davis (b. 1951) is an American composer and pianist. His recordings and compositions cover both jazz and modern classical styles, but he is bestknown for hismodern political operas such as X, based on the life of Malcolm X.