Presents
Benjamin Godard
Violin Sonata No.3 in g minor, Op.9
Godard’s Violin Sonata No.3 in g minor dates from 1869. It is in five movements instead of the usual four. The opening movement, Allegro moderato, has three very distinct sections. The first is quiet, mysterious and diffident with the violin playing questioning double stops against the piano. The second is celebratory reminding of Wieniawski, while the third is powerful and march-like. The second movement, marked Seherzo, is mostly soft and light and also has an air of mystery. The third movement, Andante, is quiet and lyrical. Then comes an Intermezzo.dark and searching. The finale, Allegro, is is characterized by its nervous liveliness and contrasting lyrical but yearning subject.
Benjamin Godard (1849-95) was born in Paris. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire composition with Reber and violin with Henri Vieuxtemps. He was somewhat of a prodigy on that instrument, as well as on the viola, and accompanied Vieuxtemps to Germany on concert tours on two occasions. Godard enjoyed chamber music and played in several performing ensembles. This experience stood him good stead when it came to writing effective chamber music compositions. In 1878, Godard was the co-winner with Théodore Dubois, head of the Paris Conservatory, of a musical competition instituted by the city of Paris. He composed music with great facility and from 1878 up to the time until his death Godard composed a surprisingly large number of works, including the opera Jocelyn, from which the famous "Berceuse" has become perhaps his best known work. He also composed several symphonic works, ballets, concertos, overtures and chamber music, including three string quartets, two piano trios and four violin sonatas.
This is a very interesting sonata good for the recital hall but also for amateurs. Out of print for many years, we are pleased to make it available once again.
Parts: $24.95
