In three movements. 

I was interested in contrasts between constructed binaries while writing this piece. In other words, in a world that sees black and white, us and them, up and down, etc, how can a composer play with expectations of normalcy? My particular concern was with the male/female dichotomy. What sounds masculine? What sounds feminine? 

The first movement contrasts two themes that are nominally masculine and feminine, but which is which? The second movement heightens the interchange that these two characteristics possess, ending tragically. In the third movement something of a heroic theme emerges against a flowing perpetuum mobile motif. 


Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1

First movement of Richard D. Russell's Violin Sonata No. 1. Performed by Stanichka Dimitrova, violin, and Bethany Porter, piano, at Symphony Space Thalia in New York City.

ViolinSonata Mvt1

Second movement of Violin Sonata #1, recorded live in concert at Symphony Space Thalia in New York City. Stanichka Dimitrova, violin, Bethany Porter, piano

ViolinSonata Mvt2

Third movement of Violin Sonata No. 1 for violin and piano, recorded live in concert at Symphony Space Thalia. Stanichka Dimitrova, violin, Bethany Porter, piano.

ViolinSonata Mvt3

Scores can be viewed at http://www.issuu.com/richardrussell

A multi-year ASCAPlus winner, Richard D. Russell’s music has been performed internationally and at prominent venues in New York. Highlights include a September 11, 2002 memorial performance of "Remembrances" at Merkin Concert Hall, and a performance of "Design for Lightning" by trombonist Haim Avitsur in Israel. As well, his music has been performed in Bulgaria and Japan. In New York, some venues have included Symphony Space Thalia, CAMI Hall, the Ethical Culture Society, and Mannes College of Music.

Richard’s most recent success was an awarded commission by Fordham University’s "Poets Out Loud" faculty group; this commission was refereed by the esteemed musicologist Lawrence Kramer.

Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1

RichardRussell