Composed by Michael Laster
Performed by Robert Frankenberry
Mixed and Mastered by Taylor Bradshaw

Piano Sonata No. 1 (2017)

Composed by Michael Laster
Performed by Robert Frankenberry
Mixed and Mastered by Michael Laster and Taylor Bradshaw

The fourth movement opens with material from the first three movements, slowly building to the presentation of a new theme. It is followed by 3 variations, each based on the previous movements. These are followed by a fugato, culminating to the final variation and coda.

4. Fantasy Variations

Composed by Michael Laster
Performed by Robert Frankenberry
Mixed and Mastered by Michael Laster and Taylor Bradshaw

Breaking dramatically in character from the previous movement, third movement is an upbeat scherzo featuring a tarantella rhythm. It unfolds using sonata form.

3. Scherzo

Composed by Michael Laster
Performed by Robert Frankenberry
Mixed and Mastered by Michael Laster and Taylor Bradshaw

The second movement was inspired by Stephen Gammell's illustrations from the "Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark" trilogy, a favorite from my childhood. The series caused much controversy due to the intensity of the nightmarish illustrations. It was banned in many libraries, and some of the original illustrations have been replaced by less frightening images  in newer versions. The movement is in ternary form.

2. In The Dark

Composed by Michael Laster
Performed by Robert Frankenberry
Mixed and Mastered by Michael Laster and Taylor Bradshaw

The sonata opens with a rondo, featuring a somber melody played over a single repeated note the bass. The movement drifts in and out of episodes of contrasting character, each still maintaining remnants of the original theme.

1. Rondo

Classical composer/alt rock songwriter, arranger, and private guitar and piano teacher living in NYC. Click the tracks for lyrics, descriptions, and performers. More at michaellaster.com.