Romança i Vals (Romance and Waltz)

Composed during the months of January and February 2011, the Romance and Waltz for violin piano were written thinking about my daughter Clara, as a present for her 18th birthday in May of that year.

Encouraged by her recent technical progress as a violinist, I wanted to write her a piece that would be manageable but challenging for her. It did not have to be easy, but not too technically difficult. I also tried to emphasize the more lyrical-expressive side rather than the virtuoso aspect.

The Romance is pure lyricism and expressiveness often venturing into the high and clean register of the violin. The piano part is very participative and gives good support to the solo part.

The Waltz has two main themes: The first is cantabile and expressive which contrasts with the second theme, which is more grotesque and articulated with a burlesque twist. The friendly and youthful tone is present throughout the waltz, which flows merrily. The central part, however, takes on a contrasting touch of aggressiveness. After a shortened and modified reexposition, the piece closes with a curious and hazy Coda playing with the pizzicatti of the violin.

(Salvador Brotons)