This work is a hommage to Nikolai Kapustin (1937-2020).

The first movement, in sonata form, is assertive and rhythmic, and is a kapustinian blend of classical architecture with jazz inflections.

The second movement, an elegy, is in some sort of developing variation, where a basic melodic cell (extracted from the first movement) is used to build two interrelated themes arranged in A-B-A’ fashion.

The third movement is a rondo in 7/8. The central episode features a cyclical return of the main theme of the first movement, albeit in a totally different character. After recapitulating the other themes of the rondo, the whole work is rounded off by a exhilarating coda.

The first movement of this sonata won the Ensemble For These Times 2024 call for scores. It was premiered by Dr. Dale Tsang at Berkeley Piano Club (California) on 22th February 2025 with a subsequent performance at San Francisc Community Center.

Total duration: ca. 23′ 30″