Sonata opus 35b "Crabtree" for violin and piano

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The Sonata for violin, grew out of a transcription of the Clarinet sonata. While it might have seemed more logical to transcribe it for viola, the change to a violin permitted the exploration of the extreme high register. Over time, the structure of the piece took on an individual character as well, with significant modifications to the source material.

The sonata is divided into six componant movements, the entire sonata played without pause.

The opening Prélude consists of the exposition of the main themes - a rhapsodic opening, and the lyrical barcarolle second theme. The development section follows expanding on both initial themes before leading directly into the toccata-like Scherzo. Here the thematic material is distinguished by register shifts. Low aggressive piano writing contrasts with the rapid violin part. The Trio section alternates Lento passages with rapid figurations in the piano, until the Presto opening material returns.

Follows the  impressionist Nocturne, which shifts delicately between thematic elements of both the first and second themes of the sonata. A solo cadenza for the violin brings the movement to its transition into the next movement - Tiento, structurally a mixture of contrapuntal exposition and march-like rythmes.

The fourth movement is a slow, sad, Arioso movement. The piano takes the lead, keeping the entire opening of the movement to itself before the violin comes in. The Rondo finale works through all the expressive material of the preceding movements in reverse order.