Henryk Mikołaj Górecki – Sonatina in one movement for violin and piano (1956)

Henryk Mikołaj Górecki (1933–2010) was one of the most important Polish composers of the second half of the 20th century, known primarily for his minimalist and deeply emotional style, which culminated in his famous Symphony No. 3, "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs." However, his early works, such as the 1956 Sonatina in One Movement for violin and piano, reveal a young composer experimenting with more traditional forms and techniques.

The Sonatina was written while Górecki was still a student at the State Higher School of Music in Katowice, under the supervision of Bolesław Szabelski. During this period, Górecki was particularly inspired by neoclassicism, as well as the music of Bartók and Szymanowski, which is clearly audible in this short but intense composition.

Despite its formal simplicity—as a single-movement miniature—the piece is characterized by great expressiveness and dynamic contrasts. The violin melody is often concise and motivic, and its development is emphasized by a lively and energetic piano part.

Sonatina in One Movement is an interesting account of the early phase of Górecki's work, showing how the young composer grappled with tradition while trying to find his own musical voice.