124
Example 3.14: Viola Sonata, First mvt., mm. 55-58
An exact repeat of the second half of the mambo section (mm. 29-40) occurs
between m. 84 and 95, serving as a bridge to the return of the A section. This is the only
instance in the sonata where Larsen repeats a large section from earlier in the work, and
though it is not made up of the opening x and y motive material, it nonetheless comes
from the larger A section and suggests a recapitulation of sorts. This is followed by a
short restatement of the y and x motives in m. 101. The argument could be made that this
restatement of the opening motives is the real recapitulation; however, it is quite short
and the two main statements of the x motive are separated by a new two-measure bridge
made up of overlapping chromatic scales. Marked lightly, mysteriously, this new idea is
very calm, and the minor third from the x motive becomes more simplified as it leads into
the “breathing” figure in m. 109. The use of the low register for both instruments and
slower harmonic movement stands in contrast to the rest of the movement. The piano’s
contrary motion sixteenth note hemiola arpeggios recall the jazz influences of the x and y
motives earlier in the movement, as shown in Example 3.15.