The Sonata for Violin and Piano in g minor was Debussy's final composition, published the year before his death from cancer in 1918. He had originally intended it to be part of a set of six sonatas for various instruments; of the planned six, he completed only three, including this one, the Sonata for Cello and Piano, and the Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp. These sonatas mark a stylistic change for Debussy - much less dense in texture than many of his middle and later works, they recall the simpler forms and textures of his early period. By the time he began to write the violin sonata, he was sick, and he knew it. Perhaps consequently, there is a wistful, nostalgic quality about this brief piece. More intense emotions come in quick bursts, fading just as quickly away.

This Urtext edition is compiled and edited by Ernst-Günter Heinemann, with markings in the piano part by Klaus Schilde, and in the violin part by Kurt Guntner. Also includes an informative preface by François Lesure. Published by G. Henle Verlag.

Difficulty: ASTA grade 6