Paul Carr

Sonatina For Violin

I have always wanted to write a short work for violin and piano but have never had anyone to write it for. I once wrote a Violin Concerto, but it weren't so good (!), except for the slow movement which I subsequently used elsewhere. I've written a series of SONATINAS, for Flute (two), Oboe (for Nicholas Daniel), Clarinet, Bassoon, and Viola and am delighted finally to have added one for Violin at the suggestion of Rupert Luck.
Written within the course of a week in early June at my family home outside Bath, a perfect summer's day instills the opening movement with warmth and contentment - followed by 'Falls the rain', a slow piece of quiet reflection, sadness perhaps, as a light evening rain falls on lush leaves and warm pathing stones, like an accompaniment to tears from within. The final movement is written in homage to the distinguished opera director, John Copley, with whom I have worked and laughed for many years - an invitation to his Birthday lunch provided me the opportunity of setting him to music; I even managed to include a favourite Poulenc progression of mine from his opera 'Dialogue of the Carmelites'.
I was delighted when Rupert asked me to write him something, otherwise I'd still be waiting to write that Violin piece - to be asked is often the only real inspiration a composer needs. Paul Carr
Duration 9 minutes