JANÁCEK, Leos
Sonata for violin and piano JW VII/7
I. Con moto
Ralf Gothóni, visiting professor
Bain Satie Group (22–23)
Sara Zeneli, violin
Mikhail Tolstov, piano
When they finish performing the first movement of Janáček’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, the professor offers some general comments on the piece (it has a very speech-like language) and compares it with other works and composers. Regarding the performance, he suggests shaping the crescendi and diminuendi so that the character the composer wishes to convey is more clearly brought out. For the piano, he gives some initial recommendations on the use of the pedal and the accelerandi; for the violin, on the pizzicati, articulation, dynamics, and breathing. He then points out an intervallic motif that is important in the composer’s language, and plays examples showing how that melody translates in Czech as “I love you.”
The opening is difficult, so he recommends practising it extensively so that they are well coordinated. He then continues with indications regarding dynamics, tempo, and harmonies in order to achieve the most appropriate character and fantasy-like atmosphere at each moment. He also stresses maintaining the correct metre and rhythm in order to play together properly (he gives opera examples), though not in a metronomic way, but rather more freely, as Janáček’s language requires.
Language: English
