The Life and Work of Richard Stöhr

Compositions

Flute Sonata Op. 61

The Flute Sonata was composed in 1919.  It is one of the few compositions available on a commercial recording.  It was recorded in 1996 by David Shostac and Antoinette Perry and issued by Harmonie.  To quote the liner notes:

“His Flute Sonata Op. 61 is a large-scale work which shows the composer to have been a master of form, melody, and harmony.  The first movement, Allegro grazioso, is in sonata-allegro form, heroic in nature and harmonically adventurous.  The second movement, Andante sostenuto, is an expanded song form, and is intensely poignant; much use is made of sequencing of smallish musical motives within phrase to build emotional climaxes.  The Finale is a theme (in 5/4 time), ten variations and a coda.  In this movement, Stöhr displays his virtuosity as a composer, giving each variation (and the Theme as well) its own unique individuality.  In size, scope and content, Stöhr’s Sonata explores territory where few have ventured in writing for the flute.”