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Composed in 1882, the Violin Sonata is arguably the finest of Paderewski’s earlier works. The first movement starts with an eloquent theme for the violin over an intricate piano accompaniment, at length making way for a more resolute and rhythmically defined theme as takes the exposition through to its engaging close. After a formal repeat, the development looks to the movement’s ‘fantasia’ marking with its free-wheeling and inventive discussion of both themes, following which there is a modified reprise – the initial theme now unfolding at greater length – then a coda which draws on aspects of both themes prior to the regretful close. The second movement, marked Intermezzo, begins with halting exchanges between the two instruments, out of which a gently expressive theme emerges which takes on greater substance before the piano makes a return to the initial exchanges. From here the main theme resumes, touching on greater heights of expressiveness before reaching its winsome close. The third movement sets off with a fervent theme that briefly yields to one of greater repose before continuing on its charged course. After a repeat of the exposition, the development makes resourceful use of both themes, with the violin’s dextrous pizzicato complementing the piano’s limpid passagework, before a heightened reprise which throws the character of both themes into greater relief, followed by a coda that sees the work through to its decisive close. (Naxos Music Library) Please take note that the audio AND sheet music ARE NOT mine. Change the quality to a minimum of 480p if the video is blurry. Original audio: (Performance by: Adam Kostecki at the violin, accompanied by Gunther Hauer) Original sheet music: ,(Paderewski,_Ignacy_Jan)
