Emil Sjögren
Violin Sonata No.3 in g minor, Op.32
Six years were to pass from the time Sjögren completed his Second Violin Sonata to the time he began work on Violin Sonata No.3 in 1894. And then, it took him six years to complete the work. By 1900, when he had finished, his style, although still dominated by the highly romantic, had nonetheless changed. Like the second sonata, it is in four movements, but unlike the earlier works, it does not burst forth in dramatic fashion but begins somewhat darkly but then quickly builds tension. The main theme, though quite lyrical, is continually interrupted by harsher outbursts. A second theme is less intense and more lyrical. The second movement, Allegro vivace, is bright, lively and playful--a cross between a scherzo and an intermezzo. The beautiful Molto Andante which comes next is a lazy, romantic love song. In some ways, the finale, Allegro assai, harks back to his earlier works, opening as it does with a highly restless piano accompaniment over which the violin introduces a troubled melody. The second theme is both more optimistic and less frenetic.
Emil Sjögren (1853-1918) was trained as an organist and studied composition in Stockholm and Berlin. He made his career as an organist and many of his compositions are for that instrument. Today he is primarily remembered as a composer of songs, however, his works for solo piano as well as for violin and piano were very well thought of, and before the First World War, often performed in concert.
This sonata belongs in the recital hall and would be an adornment to any violinist's repertoire. Out of print for many years, we are pleased to make it available once again.
Parts: $24.95
