Adagio & Allegro

Benejam was an excellent violinist and also an excellent composer. It is therefore hardly surprising that the works he dedicated to this instrument are of the most exquisite quality and discernment.

This particular piece, Adagio and Allegro, is a good example: two contrasting consecutive movements, the first part slow and melodic in which the violin expresses all its lyrical qualities, and the second part pacey, playful and intense, where the ternary, danceable rhythm is unhindered and the violin and piano mutually demand of each other a perfect synchronization commensurate with the character of the piece.

This piece was composed over Christmas 1960 in Birmingham (Alabama).

David Puertas