Product Description
Piano Sonata No. 1 in E Major is the first series of concert piano works by S. Warren Hatch, written during his undergraduate study at Campbell University. Each movement is distinct, in that each of them is composed in a different form, utilizes different key changes and scales, and takes influence from a different period in classical music. While there is no theme that connects them to one another, they are all in the key of E Major and consist mostly of a waltz-like feeling.
III. A Reflection of Passing depicts the shifting aspects about death as a person matures. Its a piece that came from a time of great loss and much grieving. It begins with an innocent, hopeful understanding of death, followed by a major tone shift, where there is an odd utilization of the piano: the performer sings into the piano while holding down the sustain pedal, which vibrates certain overtones, producing what sounds like a distant choir. The piece closes with a triumphant, hopeful melody, borrowed from a song written by S. Warren Hatch when he was in high school.
Composer Notes- Be sure to ensure that the stage hands lift the piano lid before the sonatas start, as the strings will need to be exposed in order for you to sing into the pianos body during A Reflection of Passing. For that section (page 22) you will need to face and sing directly into the strings while holding down the sustain pedal for the entire page. If you are playing with the sheet music (dont worry, Im not shaming you) simply slide the music holder in order to expose the part of the strings that are closest to you. For this sonata, I encourage you to find your own voice in these pieces. Your own interpretation should align with how you most relate to the message/story theyre telling. This could be using the una corda (leftmost) pedal during lighter sections to further differentiate them, or having a heavier rubato to strengthen the impact of certain phrases. As long as you bring these pieces to life, then it has my stamp of approval.
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