Alan Danson – Four Movements in a Jazz Idiom (Violin & Piano) – Digital Download

"Raindrops" Fantasia, Opus 5, is essentially a set of free variations in early Romantic style. The work develops a simple three-note motif (E-D#-E) in both the minor and major modes. Each variation is quite different, with one taking the form of the Classical minuet and trio. This composition was hailed by a critic as "a throwback to Schubert", which is certainly somewhat unusual for a 21st Century publication, although Cavallaro audaciously adheres to 18th and 19th century forms, harmonic language, and structure. In this sense Lenny is a 'cultural missionary' who hopes that his compositions will encourage other composers to return to our common heritage. "Raindrops Fantasia" can be heard on YouTube with Bobby Portney on violin and Lenny Cavallaro on piano at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ8PRH9n2AM

Written as a commission from Duo Dunamis for classical recitals. Each movement draws upon different idioms of jazz styles and requires a wide range of sounds and effects from the violin. The opening Dance contains cross rhythms of 2's and 3's with the middle section making much of the interval of the perfect 5th. Quasi Rag borrows from 1930's ragtime, while The Ballad of an Original Theme opens with an expressive improvisory violin solo. Blues Plus One, named after the 13 bar pattern (the standard blues is 12 bars) makes much use of stride piano and there is much interplay between violin and piano.

Short modern violin and piano pieces are rare, but these can take their place amongst examples from Elgar and the like. Unpretentious and good at making friends Two Idylls attempts to capture the sense of delight in the contemplation of pastoral landscapes, and the perceived serenity of the countryside. For the city dweller passing through such vistas speak of more relaxed times and freedom from constant pressures. There is, however, an underlying sense of not belonging, and in these pieces the tranquil settings are shot through with tensions that will not go away. No specific times or places are depicted, but the composers own recall of a period spent living in the country and his feeling of loss as he looks back to those years, perhaps account for the mixed moods of these pieces.