In collaboration with:
Sarasate, Ten Have, Holden-Rea, and Laufey
Violin Sonata No. 21 in E Minor
I. Allegro W.A. Mozart (1756-1791)
Spanish Dances Op. 23 Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908)
V. Playera
Solo Joss Holden-Rea
Allegro Brilliante, Op. 19
Willem Ten Have (1831-1924)
From the Start Laufey (b. 1999)
Benny Elrod, Violin
Bryan Echeveste, Viola
Isaiah Valdez, Cello
Pablo de Sarasate was a Spanish violinist, composer, and conductor of the Romantic period. Playera is Spanish Dance number 5 of 8 Spanish Dances that Sarasate composed between 1878 and 1882. Sarasate composed this piece in 1879, and it became a popular Adalusian folk song. This piece features the warmth and heaviness of the g-string, and rhythtms that bring out the Spanish-like sound.
The violin Sonata No. 21 in E Minor was composed in 1778. What caught my attention about this piece is that this is the only sonata by Mozart that has a minor home key. It represents Mozart's grief after his mother died. This deeply emotional piece displays mouring, anger, and confusion through its expresive dynamics, melodies, and rhythmic patterns.
Solo is from a short film and expresses the death of a violin. This unaccompanied piece starts off very somber and passionate while the middle and end of the piece start a frenzy. The end of the piece is like a breath of relief after you have poured out all of your emotions and frustrations.
Ten Have
Ten Have was a Dutch-French violinist. Allegro Brillante is one of his most famous pieces and has a series of many different violin techniques within the piece. The title of the piece transaltes to "bright and quick" which perfectly mirrors the elments of this piece. It explores arpeggios, double-stops, and many different shifting techniques.
Laufey
This selection is a song that is sung by the Icelandic singer, cellist, and composer Laufey. It is a love song that has a fun violin part that represents when Laufey scats in the actual song. This musician has been my favorite as she has brought so much light to the classical and jazz genre in todays society in her own songs.
To my Family,
I truly don't know where I would be without you all. You have always believed in me and have always supported my decions in school. When I changed my major to music, I was met with nothing but support. You have all taught me to follow my dreams and to do what makes me happy. I would not be where I am without your guidance and help. I love and appreciate you all more than I will ever be able to put into words. Thank you.
To my friends,
You all have made me feel like I was part of an amazing community. I always looked forward to seeing you all and laugh until my stomach was hurting. Not only that, but I enjoyed being able to play amongst such amazing musicians. You all have taught me so much, and I will always be grateful!
To my teachers,
My time here at UTSA has truly been the best out of my academic career. I have never been more passionate about something, and I want to say thank you for always helping me be the best musician and student that I can be. My passion for music has only grown stronger, and I thank you for all of the amazing opportunities that you all have helped me reach.
To all who have attended,
Thank you for coming! I am beyond grateful and happy I was able to share my musical journey with you. I hope you enjoyed watching my musical performance that unveiled the chapters of my musical journey!