O'Connor, Mark - Fiddle Sonata for Violin and Piano - Violin - Digital Download

Fiddle Sonata for violin and piano composed by Mark O'Connor was a commission from the Library Of Congress in Washington D.C. It premiered in Jefferson Hall during their prestigious '97-'98 chamber music season. The Library was featuring piano in their programming that year, therefore requesting O'Connor to compose utilizing the instrument. The premier was broadcast on NPR's "Performance Today" and was also the centerpiece for a national public radio special "America's Fiddler, Mark O'Connor at the Library Of Congress".

Although O'Connor did not utilize the piano as a back-up instrument in his childhood fiddling contests, it does have a tradition accompanying fiddlers in Scotland, Shetland and Canada. O'Connor used these influences for inspiration, as well as those from the French Canadians.

The "Sonata" begins with "Introduction" and features a melodic and romantic theme with beautiful chords. "Hoedown" in D minor is very lively and tuneful. The "Waltz" is a lovely theme that undergoes some insightful development, and the finale, "Gigue", a 6/8 dance (which is quite a romp) features some fast bow work on a very catchy tune.

Digital version is available to download immediately after purchase. Simply log in to your Shar account(more...)