Sonata - OB/PN

Sonata

for oboe and piano

by Richard Henderson (1925-2003)

This work was written in 1951. The piece, dedicated to Henderson's teacher, Morman Brenno, shows the strong influence of Hindemith. The Sonata opens in a declamatory style that settles into a playful game of chase between the oboe and piano, marked by running staccato passages and sudden accents. A momentary return to the opening theme gradually winds back up to this interplay, now with more hectic undertones, followed by a brief cadenza-like passage in the oboe that combines both themes. The second movement is titles Passaconne, a play on words combining the two dance forms Passacaglia and Chaconne. The last movement, a rondo, is more straightforward, with great rhythmic energy. Edited by Bruce Gbur.