Chaconne Sonata
Meyer Kupferman: Chaconne Sonata for Flute and Piano was written in 1993. The piece was commissioned by and written specifically for the flutist Laurel Ann Maurer.
It is a major, dramatic, four-movement concert work. The title refers to the fact that the entire piece uses variations based on the chaconne form.
A chaconne is traditionally a musical form based on a repeated short harmonic progression or a ground bass (basso ostinato). In this sonata, the opening four-bar phrase in the bass of the piano serves as the "granitic foundation" for a continuous dialogue and series of variations between the flute and the piano's right hand throughout all four movements.
The music is described as intense, complex, and passionate. The flute and piano are treated as equal, "complete protagonists," creating a profound drama and a rich "sound canvas."
Kupferman Meyer
Meyer Kupferman (1926–2003) was a highly prolific and versatile American composer, clarinetist, conductor, and educator. Known for his eclectic style that spanned jazz, classical modernism, and tonal music, he composed over 500 works during his lifetime.
Born in New York City, Kupferman exhibited musical talent early. He studied clarinet and composition at the High School of Music & Art and later attended Queens College, where he earned a master's degree. His primary composition teacher was the Austrian composer Karol Rathaus.
Kupferman was renowned for his technical virtuosity as a clarinetist and performed extensively, often premiering his own works. He also conducted, notably with the free-improvisation group "Music on the Edge."
His compositional style was highly personal and evolved over time, but always maintained a strong sense of individuality and emotional directness. Key characteristics include diverse influences of classical traditions with jazz and improvisation, and serial techniques, his own unique approach to serialism, which he called "infinities".
Kupferman taught composition and chamber music at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, for over 50 years, starting in 1951, until his death in 2003. He founded Soundspells Productions to make his works available.