At the origins of Evgeny Svetlanov’s compositional style, one can discern a profoundly deep connection with the finest traditions of Russian Romantic music. Written in the second half of the twentieth century, his works were composed in a “traditional vein.” Free from “avant-garde” and modernist experimentation, the simple and accessible lyrical themes that abound in his music move both performers and listeners. Evgeny Svetlanov once said: “In composition, from my point of view, all experiments aimed at complicating musical language have been exhausted, since in their time these experiments already led certain authors to absurdity… One must write simple music, understandable to people, music that will stir them and reach their hearts. In this I see the composer’s principal task, and it is in this direction that I try to work”.
“This is a work that particularly moves me with its lyrical violin writing and the deep melancholy that permeates this movement. Yet, it remains vibrant thanks to the piano accompaniment, which brings a sense of freshness and a wave of freedom to the piece. This work strikes me even more because its language retains a serene naturalness, contrasting with the various experimental trends occurring during this period in the history of music.”
This beautiful message was sent to us by a music lover about Svetlanov’s Sonatine for Violin and Piano.