Periodically, this page focuses on a work by Jean-Pierre Vial.
Sonata for Piano in E minor in three movements: Allegro, Andante, Allegro con fuoco
ISWC T-322.605.860-8 Jean-Pierre Vial, young composer (ca 1960)

The sonata in E minor is a “juvenile” work, probably completed by 1961 (maybe earlier): in those times, the young pianist did not worry about dating his scarce compositions.

In 1962, Jean-Pierre Vial attempted to submit this piece for the (optional) test of music that was part of his school leaving exam. The examiner, however, a bit suspicious (peace to her memory!), objected that presenting a living composer's work was not permitted. Jean-Pierre Vial, not willing to die on that day, had then to perform a waltz by Chopin⁽¹⁾ from memory and, despite a few wrong notes, got a pretty good exam mark.

All three movements in the sonata are influenced by the classical composers every novice pianist studies.

To listen to the first movement, Allegro (an MP3 clip), click here.

To listen to the second movement, Andante (an MP3 clip), click here.

To listen to the third movement, Allegro con fuoco (an MP3 clip), click here.

The score of the sonata is published by Universal Edition. The work is registered with SACEM.