Emil Sjögren
Violin Sonata No.4 in e minor, Op.47
Six years separate Sjögren's Third Violin Sonata from Violin Sonata No.4. He began writing it in 1904, working slowly as always, it took another two years to complete. Like all of his other sonatas, except the first, it is in four movements. The opening movement, Andante espressivo--Allegro, is just brimming with ideas. It begins with short, somewhat dark introduction and then without warning a march-like melody appears only to be quickly replaced by a more lyrical second subject which holds center stage until a yet another subject, quite dainty, replaces it. This intern is followed by a scherzando. The second movement, Scherzo vivacissimo, though a proper scherzo, combines lyricism, wit and playfulness, almost sounding like a morsel from Fritz Kreisler. Next comes an Andante con moto, a dreamy, quiet, and reflective affair, though not without a measure of Sjögren's romanticism. The finale, Allegro vivace, an upbeat and modern sounding, with just the slightest hint of folk-music. It is lovely and joyous.
Emil Sjögren (1853-1918) was trained as an organist and studied composition in Stockholm and Berlin. He made his career as an organist and many of his compositions are for that instrument. Today he is primarily remembered as a composer of songs, however, his works for solo piano as well as for violin and piano were very well thought of, and before the First World War, often performed in concert.
Here is yet another winner which recitalists would do well to perform. Like his other sonatas, long out of print, we are pleased to make it available once again.
Parts: $24.95
