“El Son del Violín” is a six-minute work for violin and piano inspired by the rhythmic language and musical traditions of Mexico. As its title suggests, the piece draws from the energy and character of traditional Mexican rhythms, alternating between ternary and binary meters. Playful yet technically demanding, the work explores the violin’s full register through dramatic rhythmic, harmonic, and emotional contrasts.

 

The piece is built around a single recurring motif, which serves as the foundation for two contrasting sections and their variations. A mixture of pentatonic and octatonic harmonic languages, frequent shifts in meter, hemiolas, and dramatic changes in dynamics and articulation contribute to its distinctive sound world. These elements combine to create a musical language that is simultaneously contemporary, energetic, and playful, while maintaining a strong connection to the Mexican musical traditions that have deeply influenced me.

 

Originally conceived as a work for solo violin, I soon began imagining a piano part that could accompany, challenge, and engage in dialogue with the motif developed by the violin. This eventually led me to transform the piece into a duet, allowing the piano to expand its harmonic and expressive possibilities while creating a more dynamic conversation between the two instruments. The piece was commissioned by my friend and violinist, Alex Estrella. Its technical demands presented a challenge for both performers, but the collaborative process ultimately resulted in a work that I am very proud of. I hope you enjoy the music and discover within it a small taste of the Mexican musical spirit that continues to inspire me.