Tom Mueller

Sonata for Organ

The Sonata opens with a set of variations based on an original chorale-like melody. Various textures, harmonic treatments, and canons are explored before a final toccata variation leads directly into a triumphant restatement of the chorale. The inner movement, "Song," is a gentle aria. A song-like melody is accompanied throughout by pulsing quarter notes in the accompaniment. The middle section introduces new harmonic colors and countermelodies before leading to a climax point. The original melody and accompaniment returns before fading away in a brief coda. The work closes with a brilliant toccata that reworks various melodic and rhythmic motives from the first two movements.