A retrospective glimpse at my long-standing collaboration with the cellist Valter Despalj, Sonatina is traditional in both form and overall outlook. The music carries a subtle Renaissance sensibility, evident in its modal melodic language as well as in points of imitation, which remain important structural elements throughout the work.
The rhythmic profile of the piece, however, is quite varied: Balkan asymmetric meters and polyrhythms abound across the composition. The overall scheme is as follows: the first movement is in classical sonata form; the second is an improvisatory cantilena; the third, a scherzo with an obbligato Trio; and the fourth, an energetic dance movement not unlike a traditional rondo.
The instruments are treated as equals and engage in a lively dialogue throughout the piece. Sonatina is dedicated to the duo of Giovanna Buccarella and Francesco Diodovich.
