Four Souvenirs - Paul Schoenfeld

Composer: Paul Schoenfeld (formerly Paul Schoenfield)

Instrumentation: Violin and Piano or Flute and Piano

Duration: Approx. 11 minutes

Date Written: 1990

Commissioned by: Lev Polyakin

Premiered: 1990

Program Note (from the album Last Silence featuring Martha Aarons, Lev Polyakin, and Frances Renzi):

Violinist Lev Polyakin commissioned "Four Souvenirs" in 1990, and first performed it in 1991 with the composer as pianist. Its inception dates back to when Lev heard Paul Schoenfield's trumpet concerto and was instantly smitten with one of its themes. Lev asked Paul to write something for violin based on that melody. Which became the "Tin Pan Alley" movement of this set of short pieces.

The four movements comprise contrasting dance styles.

"Samba" is vivacious and Brazilian-inspired, full of syncopation and swagger.

"Tango" begins with a melancholy, sentimental introduction before launching into its main theme, which is characterized by the typical, sensual rhythm of traditional tango.

"Tin Pan Alley" was the nickname for a New York City neighborhood in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where publishers of popular music set up shop with pianos on which composers could play their songs, in hopes of selling them. This romantic ballad harks back to the style of popular tunes of that bygone era.

The final movement, "Square Dance", is a riotous showpiece in perpetual motion, featuring elements suggestive of country-fiddle music along with honky-tonk piano techniques. It provides a brilliant finale that calls on virtuosic skills from both violinist and pianist.

Performance video: