Mozart is one of Tomoko’s favorite composers, so it is no
surprise that she started her November 18th concert with his Sonata
for Violin and Piano in B-flat Major, K 378 (317d), playing duet with violinist
Robin Hansen.
This sonata was written in Salzburg in 1779 after returning
from a disappointing tour. It is one of the six sonatas dedicated to Josepha
Barbara Auernhammer, one of his piano students. This sonata demonstrates
Mozart’s transition into his late style in which the instruments have an
intimate dialogue, at the same that they are more large scale. The left hand
also gained more expressive patterns and thick chord textures that alternate
with the violin part.
The movements follow a fast-slow-fast pattern. Allegro
moderato begins with a melting lyrical theme, and the violin has an offbeat
accompaniment. The second theme belongs to the violin, and then the remaining
themes reflect duality: in mood -- alternating pathos and cheer – and
instrument. Mozart also modulates the upward development in the subsequent slower
sensuous movement, and then motions downward and recapitulates the original
theme in the lively allegro refrain.
Tomoko’s and Robin’s performance demonstrated the rich partnership
of the two instruments.
