Three Pieces for Two Violins – Steven Gerber

Three Pieces was begun in part as a study for a concerto for two violins, strings, and harp entitled Serenade Concertante, written for the Russian violinist Tatjana Grindenko and recorded on Arabesque. The first movement alternates material suggestive of the so-called “mystic minimalism” (I borrowed this music from my Sonatina for oboe and guitar) with more rhythmic, rather Coplandesque idea; the second movement is much more dissonant and harsh; the diatonic finale is lyrical and contemplative.

This film was recorded as part of the London Sinfonietta Academy’s concert “Musicians of Tomorrow” in July 2023. The London Sinfonietta Academy is the foremost training scheme of its kind in the UK, focusing solely on the expert playing of contemporary repertoire. Since 2009 more than 245 young musicians have participated in the London Sinfonietta Academy, and many of them have become freelance players with the London Sinfonietta and members of the other major UK and international ensembles.