Joachim Raff - Violin Sonata No. 1, Op. 73 (Audio + Score)

It was not until autumn 1853 that Raff began to compose his first violin sonata, by which time he had already written ten other works for the instrument. His deteriorating relationship with Liszt had curtailed his activities as Liszt’s assistant sufficiently to allow him more time to devote to his own compositions. The Violin Sonata No.1 in E minor, Op. 73 was completed early the following year, but had to wait until 27 March 1855 for its public premiere at the Great Hall of Weimar Town Hall, given by the violinist Edmund Singer with Dionys Pruckner at the piano, both of them lifelong friends of the composer. Dedicated to the virtuoso Ferdinand Laub, who performed the Berlin premiere with Hans von Bülow in 1856, it was published in 1859 and, bolstered by Raff’s growing reputation, became quickly established in the repertoire, prompting publication of three further editions. Raff also arranged the work as a Sonata for piano four hands.
Although not without its moments of relaxation, the First Sonata is an ambitious composition with a generally nervous character, which may perhaps stem from Raff’s frustration with his situation in Weimar and his repeated inability to secure a post away from the city. Wilhelm Altmann* wrote that the Sonata, ‘grandiose in style, is far more difficult than many a concerto’, and the opening movement Bewegt, mit elegischem Pathos (‘Agitated, with elegiac pathos’) certainly has a sweeping grandeur to it with its contrasting moods of nervous energy and melting, but sad tenderness. The scherzo-like second movement in C major is of a type at which Raff excelled, combining highly rhythmic busyness, Sehr rasch und fein (‘Very quick and precise’) with lyrical melody in the central trio. Here Raff is at his most subversive, inserting myriad fleeting changes of metre into what at first sight appears to be a standard Mendelssohnian scherzo. Raff’s slow movements are often the centre of gravity of his compositions, and so it is here. In A minor and marked Nicht zu langsam (‘Not too slow’), its flow of passionate but unsentimental melody exudes an atmosphere of dramatic lament, ultimately turning to wistful regret. The finale-Bewegt, sehr bestimmt (‘Lively, very determined’)-finally establishes a more positive atmosphere, led by an heroically vigorous opening theme, contrasted with one of real charm and grace. Although Raff composed another four violin sonatas, it was the First which remained the most frequently played in his lifetime.
(Naxos)
0:00 - I. Bewegt, mit elegischem Pathos
7:44 - II. Sehr rasch und fein
11:46 - III. Nicht zu langsam
19:47 - IV. Bewegt, sehr bestimmt

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A most engaging Masterpiece....never a dull moment. BRAVO & Happy New Year.......from Acapulco