Sonate et Scherzo (V.27)

A large chamber work, performable with or without a conductor. Soloist plays flute, alto flute, and piccolo, against an ensemble consisting of a string quartet, 2 clarinets, and harp. Suitable for collegiate ensembles.

1. Prelude
2. Elegy
3. Sonata Mecanique
4. Finale. Scherzo

A highly dramatic and stylized piece, Sonate et Scherzo provides ceaseless challenges for the flute soloist and ensemble alike. The first two movements take the same form of an ensemble bookended by solo flute cadenzas, and establish to fragmentary themes, or 'germs', which become the melodic material for the entire piece. The third movement uses interesting effects to create its feel of mechanization, and the fourth is a mad dash to a gripping climax. Melodically and harmonically the piece is based on fourths and fifths (the most consonant intervals) and minor seconds and tritones (the most dissonant). The soloist has abundant challenges, including virtuoso passagework, harmonics, microtones, whistletones, key clicks, and more.

Purchase Options


Pages from the four movements of Sonate et Scherzo
Click to enlarge (click back to return to this page)

Mvt1 CLIPS

Mvt2 CLIP

Mvt3 CLIPS

Mvt4 CLIP



Ffflorestan publishing

All material contained herein, including website design, is copyright © Patrick Valentino, unless otherwise credited.
All rights reserved. No content on this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission.