Sonata for Piano (2018) was commissioned by the Washington State Music Teachers' Association. The fast and rhythmically propelled first movement unfolds in sonata form with jazz-influenced, syncopated material followed by a more lyrical theme, both of which are utilized in the development section, returning in the recapitulation. The second movement is a meditative tapestry in 7/8 meter in which a sparse, singing motive is heard through a texture of layered elements. A flourish of activity awakens the music at one point, then the piece returns, somewhat transformed, to the initial texture and fades to its conclusion, like an echo. After a brief introduction, the third movement dances with a bright, rhythmically-propelled momentum in compound meter, driving the piece to an energetic, optimistic conclusion. Following the initial material, a fugato appears with a subject derived from themes of previous movements, and the aggressive finish draws from many of the work’s motives.

— Bruce Stark