1. Carl Vine’s Piano Sonata No. 1 – First Movement
Carl Vine’s First Piano Sonata is one of the best-known contemporary Australian piano works. The first movement is driven by energy, rhythm and constantly changing textures, moving between rapid, almost mechanical passages and more expressive, lyrical moments. I find the contrasts particularly interesting, as the music can shift very quickly from something powerful and percussive to something much more atmospheric. The rhythmic complexity, wide-ranging keyboard writing and sudden changes of character also make it both technically and musically challenging. I particularly enjoy “spicing up” the piece a little and bringing quite a bit of my own interpretation and personality into the way I play it.

2. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2 No. 1 – First Movement
Beethoven’s first published piano sonata already shows much of the dramatic character that would become a feature of his later music. The first movement begins with a rising, energetic theme and develops through strong contrasts of dynamics, articulation and mood. Although it follows the Classical sonata form, I feel there is already something distinctly Beethoven-like in its urgency and intensity. For me, the challenge is not only keeping the music precise and energetic, but also bringing out the dialogue, contrasts and sense of direction throughout the movement.