Description
Composed at the late elementary level, Circus Sonatinas contains two Sonatinas with three movements each. The Sonatinas are as follows: Circus Sonatina
- Ringmaster’s Parade
- The Flying Trapeze (for the very brave…)
- Black Bear Boogie
Big-Top Sonatina
- Clown Capers
- Those Amazing Elephants!
- Ferocious Lions
A note from the composer:
“I composed Circus Sonatina and Big Top Sonatina in 1996 at the request of one of my friends. We were bemoaning the scarcity of early level sonatinas that explore sonata form and thematic structure in a musically and emotionally accessible way for young pianists. To meet this need, I created the setting of a traditional circus as a vehicle for imaginative expression of contrasting themes.
These two sonatinas are inspired by the characters of the “old time” circus and the excitement when children would hear the announcement: “The Circus is coming to town!” When life or responsibilities got too much, it was not uncommon for young people to dream of running away to join the circus with its magic and mystery!”
