SKU: PR.144407530

ISBN 9781491136614. UPC: 680160687992.

A violinist herself, Lauren Bernofsky has described SONATA FOR SOLO VIOLIN as drawn from autobiographical inspiration, including gestures from Bachâ??s beloved Partita in E Major. Bernofsky opens with a Preludio movement whose references to Bach may be disguised, but they are surely lurking. The second movement is lusciously contrapuntal with the idiomatic finesse of a violinist composing for her own instrument, while musically journaling the emotional pain of living through 2020. The third and final movement is aptly marked â??white-hot,â? and the music certainly is.
My SONATA FOR SOLO VIOLIN was commissioned by violinist Megan Healy as part of The Maud Powell Project, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The project included the creation of five new works for solo violin inspired by and dedicated to the memory of pioneering American violinist Maud Powell (1867-1920). Healy premiered the sonata on May 8, 2021 at PianoForte Studios in Chicago.Among the works Powell most frequently performed in her recitals was the â??Preludioâ? movement from Bachâ??s E major Partita, and I decided to refer to that music in my own first movement, also titled â??Preludio.â? The beginning subtly reflects Bachâ??s opening three-note motive, wherein the music dips down a semitone and then comes back up. This melodic material returns throughout the movement in various forms. I also refer to Bachâ??s sixteenth-note dominated texture, and the gesture in the third measure, which outlines a perfect fifth and then fills it in with notes that alternate between a scale and a pedal tone. The corresponding passage in my piece occurs in the same place, measure 3. Apart from these references to Bach, my sonata is much more modern sounding, especially in its chromatic character.I was still thinking of Bachâ??s solo violin writing while composing the second movement, particularly the polyphonic nature of the slow movements, where the melodic interest moves around between the voices. Emotionally, I wanted my movement to reflect the acute sadness I had been experiencing over the political and social situation in the United States as I wrote the piece. I realized that this is a historically noteworthy time in U.S. history, marked not only by political unrest, but also by a challenge to the very values that I consider essential to what makes a person fundamentally human. I wanted to create a record of that pain in my music.The final movement is marked â??White-hot.â? It is imbued with a relentless, passionate intensity. Wanting again to reflect aspects of our own time, I included glissandi that refer to rock music, specifically the â??fall-offsâ? I frequently hear played by electric guitarists. I borrowed from another (completely different) musical tradition as well, one that is near-and-dear to my heart: Klezmer. Klezmer (Eastern European Jewish folk music) is characterized in part by scales colored by augmented seconds, and is often performed by solo instrumentalists who improvise embellishments like quick grace notes. The second, more lyrical theme in this movement is my nod to Klezmer style.While this piece is an homage to Maud Powell, I also think of it as my own musical autobiography, as it combines some of my favorite aspects of music, and is played on my own instrument.

SKU: BT.BH221100344

English.

Violin Solo.

SKU: AD.ADG245

ISBN 9781958017357. UPC: 663389124523. 9 x 12 inches.

The Blues Scale for Violin is one of a series by Andrew D. Gordon is a comprehensive collection of educational books that explores the intricacies, techniques, and applications of the blues scale in contemporary music. Designed for musicians of all levels, this series serves as an indispensable resource for guitarists, pianists, saxophonists, and other instrumentalists looking to delve into the expressive and soulful world of blues music. Andrew D. Gordon, an accomplished musician and renowned educator, combines his vast knowledge and experience to provide a step-by-step guide for mastering the blues scale. Each book in the series offers a well-structured curriculum, progressing from fundamental concepts to advanced improvisation techniques, ensuring a thorough understanding of the blues scale's potential. Through detailed explanations, musical examples, exercises, and play-along tracks, readers will embark on a transformative journey, gaining fluency and confidence in playing the blues. The books cover various styles showing how the blues scale can be used, including , jazz, funk , new age, Latin, pop, gospel, acid jazz and rock enabling musicians to expand their repertoire and adapt their skills to different musical contexts. The Blues Scale series not only equips musicians with the technical aspects of playing the blues but also emphasizes the importance of creativity and personal expression. Gordon encourages readers to develop their improvisational skills, providing tools and strategies to create unique solos and express their musical personality within the framework of the blues scale. Whether you are a beginner seeking to explore the foundations of the blues scale or an advanced player looking to refine your improvisational abilities, The Blues Scale series by Andrew D. Gordon offers a comprehensive and accessible approach to learning and mastering the blues. With its clear instruction, engaging exercises, and practical examples, this series is an invaluable resource for musicians passionate about incorporating the soulful and timeless sounds of the blues into their playing.