Emil Sjögren
Violin Sonata No.2 in e minor, Op.24
Sjögren's Second Violin Sonata was composed in 1888 and dedicated to Tor Aulin, Sweden's leading concert violinist. It is in four movements, the opening Allegro moderato begins quietly with hints of darkness but quickly builds in tension only to dissipate into a lovely lyrical second theme. In the Allegretto scherzando which comes next the lyrical main theme is continually interrupted by bouts of rhythmic episodes which serve as a contrasting second theme subject. The third movement, Andante sostenuto, is essentially a dramatic and highly romantic aria for the violin. It amply illustrates why Sjögren was such a fine composer of vocal music. The finale, Con fuoco, begins with a restless theme which rises to high drama and is suffused with passion and much energy.
Emil Sjögren (1853-1918) was trained as an organist and studied composition in Stockholm and Berlin. He made his career as an organist and many of his compositions are for that instrument. Today he is primarily remembered as a composer of songs, however, his works for solo piano as well as for violin and piano were very well thought of, and before the First World War, often performed in concert.
This is another sonata which ought to be heard in concert and would certainly be a welcome addition to the repertoire. Out of print for many years, we are pleased to make it available once again.
Parts: $24.95
