Gordon Kerry: Sonata

Abstract

The term 'sonata' has three specific connotations here: there is the baroque notion of a piece sounded, rather than sung, written for any combination of instruments. In addition, I was aware of the classical principle we now call sonata design - a way of dramatically structuring purely musical ideas. Finally, the 19th century's use of the sonata as a vehicle for instrumental virtuosity was an important influence. The piece has no predetermined schema, but seeks to create an abstract drama from the contrasts in various parameters made possible by this combination of instruments. There are passages which contrast metrical irregularity with ostinati; there is some use of aleatoric counterpoint to balance passages of more rigorously designed texture. Much of the music moves at considerable speed, but this is balanced by passages of an almost static quality. The relationships between the various sections, which are intercut on a kind of mosaic pattern, are related to the ratio of the golden mean.