Sonata no. 1

Program Note

Approaching forms like the Sonata had always been a dream and a challenge for me. The opportunity arose at the beginning of 2025, thanks to Costa Rican pianist Rebeca Ordóñez Rodríguez, who commissioned this piece for its premiere with horn player Mario Mora.

 

The Sonata consists of four movements, following the traditional structure but incorporating free elements. The first movement commences with a brief introduction that precedes the presentation of the main theme by the horn. The rhythmical and melodic elements in this movement will serve as the common thread throughout the remaining of the piece.

 

The second movement is a slow theme designed to create a calming sound space, shielding us from external noise and inducing a state of relaxation and contemplation. The harmonious blend of piano chords and the warmth and sweetness of the horn make this movement truly special.

 

The third movement takes a delightful turn, transforming the more traditional Scherzo into a ballroom waltz. I had always yearned to incorporate a waltz into a piece of this size, whether it was a sonata or a symphony. My grandfather on my mother’s side played ballroom waltzes with his orchestra, and this form has been an integral part of my upbringing. It feels like a part of me.

 

The final movement begins slowly, contrasting with the lively third movement. However, it swiftly changes character, drastically diverging from the previous movements with a different harmonic language and generating increased speed and movement. Interestingly, a melodic compilation of all the thematic material present in the Sonata is presented towards the end of the piece, serving as its conclusion.

 

This Sonata is dedicated with utmost gratitude and posthumously to Ana Silvia Henríquez (1950-2025), co-founder of the Fundación Renal de El Salvador and the Salvadoran Renal Foundation, Inc., non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting kidney health in El Salvador. Silvia was an ardent admirer of the arts in all its forms and consistently supported various initiatives, including music, theater, and dance. She instilled a profound appreciation for art and music in everyone she encountered, and her conversations were always filled with topics related to concerts or plays. May this piece serve as a legacy for her dedication to music and philanthropy.

• Juan Guerra González