I wrote this piece, at the end of March 1998, especially to the occasion of a marathon on piano sonatas I had with a group of good pupils. I had them intensely work and interpret more than twenty pieces. These presented a wide scope - form Scarlatty to present day - and vividly showed the fascinating evolution of styles and periods. All in all, six hours of music. The piece came like a bewildering whirlpool, and I only needed to let myself follow the paths and the idea that these would come up to a music where strength and frenetic dynamism prevail in the first and last movements. The central movement’s molto calmo, with contemplative and nearly static shades, creates an atmosphere of great contrast. This serial piece alternates atonal and poly-tonal systems. It also speculates with sonic and rhythmic searches (string plucking and hitting) and rigorously fits into a whole where the sonata form will always prevail. Last, the title Sonatina “Contractio” is an answer to a structure where discourse and development of ideas unfolds, concentrated and incessant.
Antoni Besses
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