Adagio

For Solo Violin

Written: 2021
Duration: ca. 5'
Instrumentation: solo violin
Commissioned by Steve and Hildy Martin in honor of Adam Abeshouse’s 60th birthday
World Premiere: TBD

Sheet Music Currently Unavailable

Program Note

Adagio for solo violin was composed as a surprise birthday present for my good friend Adam Abeshouse who is an excellent violinist, and also one of the world’s greatest classical recording producers. Since I enjoy creating pieces that musicians have a personal connection with, I asked Adam’s wife Maria which pieces Adam likes to play, and she mentioned the first movement of J.S. Bach’s Sonata No. 1 in G Minor. I have quoted phrases from various pieces by Bach in a few of my other works (my Elegy for Two Cellos and Piano, for example), so I decided to embed a few phrases from that movement in this piece, so that when Adam plays it, he will be reminded of his favorite piece by Bach. I also included motifs based on Adam’s first name (A, D, A, and Mi, the solfège name for E) and also on Maria’s name, and his daughters Sarah and Emily.

Adagio for solo violin was commissioned by Steve and Hildy Martin in honor of Adam Abeshouse’s 60th birthday.