PopMarket - Kenneth V. Jones - Jones: Sonata for Pianoforte - Multicolor

Among his many compositions, Kenneth V. Jones wrote a concerto for string orchestra (1956), a concerto for oboe and strings (1963), The Pollock, an orchestral prelude (1963), O Light Invisible, a cantata for soprano, mixed chorus and orchestra (1963), a sonata for solo violin (1967), Dialysis, for violin and harpsichord (1973), Quaquaverse, for saxophone quartet (1979), Paean for organ (1983), three Sinfonias for orchestra, as well as piano works, song cycles, film, play and television scores and church music, including hymns and anthems. The Quintet for Piano and String Quartet, Op.26 (1967) is a compact, finely balanced score in which the keyboard is in constant, purposeful dialogue with the strings and no single player is allowed to dominate the textures for too long. The resolute opening Allegro contains a couple of ear-catching passages where string phrases are repeated hypnotically, but for the most part, this is a vibrant, forthright movement, driven by the composer's characteristically punchy syncopated rhythms. The central Adagio brings a more expansive tempo, while maintaining an intensity of mood established by the opening movement. The outer sections are presided over by a tenacious, repeated-note figure first heard on the viola at the outset, while the central episode is more diverse and adventurous in spirit. The vigorous, lilting Allegro finale revisits material from the previous movements and rounds off the piece in exuberant style.

Among his many compositions, Kenneth V. Jones wrote a concerto for string orchestra (1956), a concerto for oboe and strings (1963), The Pollock, an orchestral prelude (1963), O Light Invisible, a cantata for soprano, mixed chorus and orchestra (1963), a sonata for solo violin (1967), Dialysis, for violin and harpsichord (1973), Quaquaverse, for saxophone quartet (1979), Paean for organ (1983), three Sinfonias for orchestra, as well as piano works, song cycles, film, play and television scores and church music, including hymns and anthems. Quinquifid for Brass Quintet (1980) was written for Equale Brass, who premiered the piece in the Purcell Room on 6 December 1980. Quinquifid was first broadcast by the BBC on Radio 3 on 30 December 1981. The structure of this work is built on a notion of five sections, each linked without a break by cadenzas for each of the solo instruments. The opening movement begins with an Andante introduction flecked by flutter-tongued trumpet and moves into a more urgent Allegro section that exploits the lyrical qualities of the tuba to expressive effect. Gradually the music intensifies, building to a powerful climax, before falling away abruptly, paving the way for the next section, a brief duet for the two trumpets, marked 'Shadow Play' in the score. Light and lively, the finale offers flowing interplay between the instruments and brings the score to a confident conclusion.

Among his many compositions, Kenneth V. Jones wrote a concerto for string orchestra (1956), a concerto for oboe and strings (1963), The Pollock, an orchestral prelude (1963), O Light Invisible, a cantata for soprano, mixed chorus and orchestra (1963), a sonata for solo violin (1967), Dialysis, for violin and harpsichord (1973), Quaquaverse, for saxophone quartet (1979), Paean for organ (1983), three Sinfonias for orchestra, as well as piano works, song cycles, film, play and television scores and church music, including hymns and anthems. Commissioned by UNESCO, the Wind Quintet No. 2, Op. 2 (1952) begins with an assertive Lento movement that commands the listener's attention with it's flourishes and fanfare-like gestures. The ensuing Vigoroso is breezy and relaxed, allowing each player a chance to take centre-stage during it's crisp, clipped progress. The following, moderately slow, movement has an almost liquid fluency, while the Giocoso finale exudes an airy and insouciant elegance, the players' imminent departure judiciously signalled by a couple of whooping horn calls.