Sonata No. 2 by Ralph Shapey
for violin and piano
West Coast premiere

I. Variations
II. Rondo-Scherzando
III. Canzonetta

[Of his own works the composer writes:]

My credo:

1. The music must speak for itself,
2. Great art is a miracle,
3. That which the mind of man (Humankind) can conceive will be done.

I hate long, involved explanations, which in the end become excuses for the music. I guess my motto is 'play it again, Sam.' That is the only explanation that means anything.

— R. S.    

[from program for September 26, 2005 concert]