Samuel Zyman Flute Sonata No. 1

Sonata No. 1 for Flute and Piano (1994)
by Samuel Zyman
Molly Barth, flute, Heather Conner, piano
I wrote my Sonata No. 1 for Flute and Piano in 1994. The work was commissioned by Mexican flutist Marisa Canales, who recorded and premiered it with Argentinian pianist Ana María Tradatti the same year. Venezuelan flutist Marco Granados performed it in 1996 at the National Flute Association Convention in Chicago. Since then, this sonata has become my best-known composition and has entered the standard repertoire. It is frequently performed all over the world and has been a required piece at flute competitions. Throughout the piece, flute and piano are treated as equal partners, sharing motivic material between them and engaging in intense contrapuntal dialogues. The first movement, Allegro assai, is fast, energetic, and virtuosic, often showcasing the flute's high register, although the movement also has a slow and introspective section in the middle. The second movement, Lento e molto espressivo, is lyrical and expressive, at times emphasizing the flute's low register and its ability to sustain long notes. The third movement, Presto, is lightning fast, rhythmic, and outgoing, almost pushing the players to the edge. This movement features a cadenza-like section and a brief reference to the lyrical theme from the second movement.
--Samuel Zyman
Funding was provided for this exciting project by the Vanderbilt University Research Scholar Grant program and support was provided by the Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music.
Producers: Molly Barth and Sergei Kvitko of Blue Griffin Recordings
Recording Engineer: Sergei Kvitko with assistance from Kevin Edlin
Copyright 2020
Videography: Continuous Motion Productions
www.cmotionproductions.com