Sonata for solo violoncello compresses a full dramatic trajectory into a concise six-movement form. The work moves from the opening prelude through dream, moderation and interlude toward a final movement marked by fire.

The unaccompanied violoncello carries the entire architecture alone. Its line must imply harmony, counterpoint, pulse and character without support from another instrument. In this sense, the sonata belongs to Auerbach’s larger fascination with the solitary performer as a complete dramatic world.

The movements create sharply contrasted states rather than a single continuous monologue: prelude, dream, central reflection, transition, velocity and final combustion.

• Form Six movements.
• Duration Approximately 12 minutes.
• Forces Solo violoncello.

Sonata for solo violoncello was first performed on 9 February 2004 in Athens by Christophor Miroshnikov.

The Sikorski catalogue lists the work with a duration of 12′, score number SIK 8911, and a recording by Anthony Arnone.

The solo violoncello has a long historical connection to works that ask one performer to create the impression of many voices. Auerbach’s sonata enters that lineage through a contemporary language that is direct, intense and psychologically charged.

Within Auerbach’s solo string catalogue, the work stands beside other unaccompanied pieces in which the instrument becomes an entire theater of memory, voice, gesture and conflict.

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