Sonata op.1

Sonata op.1 (Sonata for Trombone and Piano Op. 1 was commissioned by the Kentucky Music Teachers Association for their October 2003 convention in Lexington and was the composer’s first large-scale composition. The work was inspired by the artistry of his colleague, trombonist Ken Haddix, to whom it is dedicated and who gave the world premiere. The first movement is has a heroic, expansive quality and is highly motivic, exploring many uses of the perfect 4th both harmonically and melodically. By contrast, the second movement is deeply emotional, dark and lyrical. It gains intensity at measure 42, but after rising to an outcry at measure 50 it subsides into bittersweet resignation once again. The last movement consists of several contrasting, exuberant sections. The opening gives way to a guitar-like Spanish dance, followed by a dance-like rhythmic section reminiscent of other 20th century composers. The opening returns and the tempo picks up leading to an Allegro con brio conclusion.)