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. "Ti