I started this piece by diagramming Beethoven’s Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2, No. 2. The intention was to follow Beethoven’s development of theme groups and attempt to recreate a similar diagram in the E-flat Sonata while maintaining a sound distinct from the late composer’s.

Constructing such a diagram was helpful to a point, although the use of wind instruments in place of a piano made for necessary adjustments. This was my first work for any kind of winds. Not being a wind player myself, composing in a manner considerate to the needs of a wind player was an enlightening experience. Having constructed a piece in the model of a Beethoven sonata and then going through it to manage when the instrumentalists may need to breathe or rest resulted in a sonata quite different than what was originally intended. Add to that a touch of blues and the ensuing creation is formally familiar while being a divergent listen.