Composed: 1986
Duration: 10 minutes
First Performance: September 1990 by Barrie Moore (violin) and Graham Lloyd (piano), at the Countess of Huntingdon's Hall, Worcester
The Three Pieces for Violin and Piano Op. 11 show the composer's diverse approach to composition and his ability to write striking and original melodic ideas. They are in three distinct movements.
1. Pastorale
Pastorale is a ternary structure, in which the two outer sections form a dialogue between violin and piano, and where a long broad melody is passed between the two instruments. The central section is a more passionate, chromatic idea in which the piano plays a true accompanimental role.
2. Romance
This movement is more obviously passionate in mood and draws on two contrasting thematic ideas. The first is a sombre chordal melody which is initially presented in canon, and then later as the work's main point of climax; the second being a more flowing, reflective idea which is subsequently developed and finally restated on the violin and piano.
3. Dance
'Dance' is a lively, vigorous movement that has as its driving force an ostinato figure in the unusual time signature of 8/8. The principal idea being an angular theme with rushing semi-quavers and double notes that is fought over tenaciously by both violin and piano as it journeys through several different tonalities.
Each statement is punctuated by a more expansive theme in which both instruments 'meet up', creating a feeling of calm, as they find solace in their unity. After a brief and passionate reference to the opening of the 'Romance', the work ends in a flourish with the violin and piano vying for the final word.