Premiered at my senior piano recital, Oberlin, OH, December 1998. 12’.
Having written a sonata for my junior recital, it seemed fitting to compose a sequel for my senior recital. Around the time that I was beginning work, news broke of the horrific murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay student in Wyoming. The details of the hate crime were horrific, but perhaps even more sickening was the public support for the murderers by certain right-wing religious factions. I was haunted by the image of this young man “crucified” on a fence post in rural America. The sonata was written very quickly, giving it a rawness of expression, and it evolved into a protest and an homage to the victim.
Sonata No. 2 uses a variety of effects with the sostenuto (middle) pedal. At various points the pianist strums or stops the strings inside the piano, and plays chords with the entire arm.
Movement I, excerpt
Movement II, excerpt
Movement III, excerpt