This Sonata was initially conceived (in 1995) for solo cello. It rapidly proved unplayable in this form. In 1996 it was entirely recast for two cellos. This was not simply a matter of transcribing it, but of composing it anew.

The work follows a traditional plan in four movements: a first introductory movement, which unfolds in a free, seemingly improvised manner making it formally akin to a fantasia, followed by a scherzo, an adagio and a finale with variations.

The subtitle, “The Battle of...