Ali Arango performs and demonstrates sections from the first movement of Leo Brouwer’s famous Sonata, dedicated to Julian Bream.

The lesson begins with Arango describing his initial encounter with the piece which occurred when Brouwer gave him a personal copy of the score. Arango goes on to highlight musical, compositional, and technical aspects of the piece including the piece’s persistent Fandango rhythm, musical quotes chosen by Brouwer, and general techniques for maintaining a stable right hand.

Ali Arango finishes his series on the famous Sonata by Leo Brouwer with the third movement, “La Toccata de Pasquini.”

The lesson begins with a brief background on the piece’s namesake, Bernardo Pasquini. Arango then jumps straight into the opening, breaking down it’s complex rhythmic character and alleviating technical difficulties by providing tips for right hand fingerings and rapid shifting.

Other topics discussed include the “cuckoo” quote found throughout the movement and Arango’s concept of “space” dynamics which he employs during the long, arpeggiated sections.

Ali Arango continues his series on Leo Brouwer’s Sonata by discussing the second movement, “Sarabanda de Scriabin.”

Following a performance of the piece, Arango gives an overview of the musical form the Sarabande and plays examples from the music of J.S. Bach and Handel. Arango goes on to share multiple score errors which he discovered after playing this piece for Leo Brouwer himself.