Aylesford Pieces No. 20 - Sonatina

About this work

The A-minor Sonatina in 3/4 spans three pages. Its Allegretto alternates a detached figure punctuated by rests with long semiquaver lines. The hands regularly exchange roles: one presents the design while the other prepares a reply, bass line or transition into a new register.

After the opening repeat, the development brings the same cells back in varied forms. Runs pass between the hands, bass lines move in sequences and broader chords mark structural joints. Some bars briefly suspend motion before a new entry. The length of the piece makes these returns important: recognising them prevents the score from becoming an undifferentiated succession of semiquavers.

Map the figures and cadences before working on speed. Isolate transfers between hands, then play the complete moving line with only one bass note per bar to hear its direction. Gradually restore inner voices and chords. Repeated passages need consistent touch but may take a different colour according to their function. Save energy for the final page and preserve the 3/4 pulse through the closing fermatas.

Score and files

3-page PDF typeset by Bas Wassink for Mutopia, with a MIDI file. The Mutopia record names the Schott edition of 1930 as its source and declares this typesetting public domain. The PDF retains the markings of the Mutopia engraving.

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