This work began as a viola concerto, written for Donald Maurice and the Dunedin Sinfonia as part of the composer's residency with the orchestra in 1994. Its popularity led first to a piano reductin of the orchestral score, then to this sonata.

It is a personal work in which the viola takes on various characters, and describes human relationships. The solo part speaks in a natural and uncontrived voice, and consequently there are few shows of virtuosity in the concerto.

The first movement, allegro tempestuoso, opens in turmoil and includes an idea inspired by one of Bach's Brandenburg concertos. A lighter, folk-like theme emerges and acts as a link to the second main theme which is cooler in mood and tinged with sadness.

The long theme at the start of the slow movement began life as a solo piece, and unfolds slowly on the dorian mode.

The third movement, a cadenza, follows and acts as a link to the finale. Dance-like in character, the finale provides a resolution to the tensions of the previous movements. Some of the themes are influenced by popular music styles, and near the end there is a slightly slower section which recalls Bluegrass music; this was inspired by the American group, the Blue Sky Mountain Boys. The sonata comes to a conclusion with strident and jazzy chords.

The sonata has been recorded by Donald Maurice and Emma Sayers in 2006 (Kiwi-Pacific Records CD SLD-113).

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