Copland Violin Sonata
Recently I have been listening to the Sonata for violin and piano by Aaron Copland, in preparation for my including it in a broadcast of a variety of 20th century music at our local NPR radio station in California’s Bay Area.
This recording is a collection of sonatas played by the late Isaac Stern, making up Sony’s tribute to the great American violinist. Stern’s is joined by his accompanist of those days, Alexander Zakin, and by the composer himself in Copland’s sonata. Also included is music by Hindemith and Ernest Bloch.
Isaac Stern was a devotee of 20th-century music. In Copland’s Sonata, Stern lets its lyrical lines sing, with excellent support from the composer at the piano. I am still amazed at the great originality of Aaron Copland’s music. As a child of Russian immigrant parents, it is astounding how Copland developed a composition style that became the *sound* of truly American music.
One of the most challenging and dramatic pieces in the collection is the Bloch Sonata, which Stern and Alexander Zakin play with a very authentic character. The Hebraic Baal Shem is one of Bloch’s most often heard works, here done with great folk music style. The work is titled “Baal Shem: 3 Pictures of Chassidic Life”. Isaac Stern’s warm tone and vocal-like performance is like being at a Synagogue and hearing the Cantor chant.
On this CD are the following tracks:
• Sonata for violin & piano in C major
Composed by Paul Hindemith
with Alexander Zakin, Isaac Stern
• Sonata for violin & piano No.1
Composed by Ernest Bloch
with Alexander Zakin, Isaac Stern
• Baal Shem: 3 pictures of Hassidic life, for violin & piano
No 1, Vidui
Composed by Ernest Bloch
with Alexander Zakin, Isaac Stern
• Baal Shem: 3 pictures of Hassidic life, for violin & piano
No 2, Nigun
Composed by Ernest Bloch
with Alexander Zakin, Isaac Stern
• Baal Shem: 3 pictures of Hassidic life, for violin & piano
No 3, Simchas Torah
Composed by Ernest Bloch
with Alexander Zakin, Isaac Stern
• Sonata for violin & piano
Composed by Aaron Copland
performed by Isaac Stern, Aaron Copland
Here is the 3rd movement from the Copland violin sonata, as performed by Violinist Louis Kaufman, and the composer playing the piano part:
Tags: Aaron Copland, violin Sonata, Ernest Bloch, Isaak Stern