Tertis Sonata
by Jordi Cervello
Piano Accompaniment - Sheet Music

SKU: BO.B-3734

I composed this sonata as a commission from my friend Abili Fort. Tertis Sonata is a work in three movements which, in spite of its free formal structure, follows the traditional sonata form: the first and third movements are fast and the middle movement is lyrical.

The first movement, Allegro burlesco, is rhythmic with a free spirit. The movement opens with a subtle introduction for the piano, which, like the rest of the first movement with the exception of a brief cadenza for the viola and a rather mysterious passage, is written in 2/4 time. Andante sostenuto, the second movement, opens with the viola playing a low song-like solo sotto voce. Later the piano enters with slow and gently harmonies which support the nostalgic song of the viola. The third movement, Allegretto-Allegro is the most complex and varied of the three, both technically and expressively. This movement begins with an ironic cadenza for the viola which ends with a chromatic Lento reaching down to the lowest C of the instrument. This is followed by an Allegretto which connects to an energetic and passionate Allegro, which also has a certain romanticism.

Tertis Sonata is an homage to Lionel Tertis (1876-1975) who was one of the first great viola soloists. Born in Britain he was also a brilliant professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London.