Description
William Alwyn (1905-1985), renowned for his classic film scores such as The History of Mr Polly, The Winslow Boy, and A Night to Remember, was also a prolific composer of symphonies, concertos, and eloquent chamber music. A notable example of his chamber work is the appealing Sonatina for violin and piano. Spanning approximately 12 minutes, this piece exemplifies Alwyn's signature style characterized by lush, romantic harmonies and dynamic, expressive melodies. It adheres to a conventional structure, commencing with a flowing first movement that is both contemplative and reminiscent of a prelude. The introspective Adagio introduces a more profound emotional depth, leading into a spirited finale that features the lively rhythms of a waltz and a syncopated gigue, concluding the composition with exuberance. Although it was first performed at the Royal Academy of Music in 1935, the Sonatina remained unpublished for 75 years, gaining wider recognition through a recent recording by Madeleine Mitchell and Andrew Ball on the Naxos label (8.570340). Violinists at Grades 7 to 8 level and above will appreciate this new addition from a significant 20th-century British composer, whose mastery of the violin-piano duo is readily evident.
