I wrote this work in 1983, i.e. before “perestroika” in the USSR. The iron curtain, persecution of every free idea, strong censorship were a reality we had to deal every day. That is why an honest creative work, like writing musical piece that reflects the atmosphere of social oppression, can be interpreted as an action of resistance to authority. Maybe it is out of normal aims of art (so would I say today), but it is impossible to forget that “secret” function of music written then. Dramatic qualities, sometimes feeling of tragedy and hopeless are typical of many my pieces from that time, including the Accordion Sonata. Longing for an ideal faced to the wall, and the hope seemed to be unreal…
The Accordion Sonata was written on suggestion of one of the best Russian accordionists Joseph Purits. He performed it for the first time in 1984 in Moscow. Sonata consists of two movements: Andante con moto and Allegro moderato.
Alexander Shchetynsky
© 2000 by Alexander Shchetynsky