Nikolai Kapustin ： Violin Sonata Op.70

Kapustin’s Violin Sonata Op.70 is a chamber work based on the classical sonata tradition, incorporating jazz idioms and a dynamic sense of rhythm. The violin and piano respond to each other as equal partners, passing melodic ideas between them and contrasting driving passages with more lyrical, expressive sections. Listening for these changes in structure brings out the shifting roles and colors of both instruments. The pianist should maintain a light touch and clear accents, while displaying a soloistic presence rather than merely supporting the violin. Precise coordination of the intricate rhythms, together with flexible breathing shaped by careful listening to the partner’s phrases, leads to a vivid performance.