Andrew Downes - Sonata For Two Pianos

Sonata For Two Pianos

Instrumentation

two pianos

Other Information

Specially commissioned by Joseph Weingarten and Margaret Newman for their concerts in aid of the Interdenominational Society for Soviet Jewry. First performed by them on July l2th 1987 in the Sir Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham.  Numerous performances of this work have since taken place. The Sonata was first performed in Israel by Bracha Eden and Alexander Tamir in January 1989 in the Israel Philharmonic Guest House, Tel Aviv, in a concert with members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating the return to Israel of the Refusnik, Elena Keiss-Kuna. The work was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 by Bracha Eden and Alexander Tamir in 1990, as part of a broadcast recital which they gave in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham. The Duo Scaramouche have played the work at several venues throughout Europe, including the Salle des Arts, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Paris; on French Radio - ´France Musique´; and on Italian Television in a full length programme featuring an interview with the composer. Julian Hellaby and Peter Noke performed the work in the recital hall of Coventry University in 2005, and at the CBSO Centre, Birmingham in 2008. They recorded the work for CD in 2006.  Margaret Newman and Duncan Honeybourne performed the Sonata as part of the 150th anniversary concert of Singers Hill Synagogue, Birmingham, in June 2006.  This performance was also produced on CD.

´Downes has taken Psalm verses as his inspiration for a deeply felt lament. The music, with its use of Jewish religious musical idioms, is beautifully written. There is poignancy, great dramatic tension and an overwhelming tenderness...´
THE BIRMINGHAM POST