Euphonium and piano
SKU: P2.80183
Composed by John
Hennecken. Solo music,
contemporary. Published
by Potenza Music
(P2.80183).
The
Sonata for Euphonium and
Piano is an abstract
drama in three movements.
The first movement is a
meditative, lamenting
adagio tonally oriented
around C-sharp minor. The
explosive second movement
escapes tonal gravity
through an intense
counterpoint between the
raging euphonium and
crushingly percussive
piano. The finale third
movement adagio returns
to an orientation around
C-sharp minor and
explores a way forward
from the conflict
presented in the first
two movements. The work
showcases the virtuosity
of the euphonium,
requiring tremendous
flexibility, multiple
tonguing, stamina, and
beautiful lyricism. The
piano part is an equal
partner to the euphonium,
also demanding great
technical skill, power,
and delicate cantabile
style. This sonata was
written for a consortium
of euphonium players led
by Chris Leslie, now with
the West Point Army Band,
and Cale Self, a
professor at the
University of West
Georgia. The piece was
first premiered and
recorded at the
University of Georgia by
Chris Leslie and pianist
Greg Hankins.
