Three Neoclassical compositions for violin and piano

Abstract

In the early part of the twentieth century, the Neoclassical style was a strong influence on violin works by composers such as Igor Stravinsky, Francis Poulenc, and Sergei Prokofiev. Through a recording project and an accompanying document, I will introduce distinctive styles of Neoclassical violin music within three works: Stravinsky’s Duo concertante (1932), Prokofiev’s Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Major, Op. 94 bis (1943), and Poulenc’s Violin Sonata, Op.119 (1942-1943). Through the performance and discussion, I explore ways to interpret these works in light of their Neoclassical elements.