James Matheson's Sonata for Violin and Piano was commissioned by Brooklyn Friends of Chamber Music and premiered by violinist Tereza Stanislav and pianist Roberto Giordano in 2007. The sonata is an intense 15-minute work in one movement, dramatically juxtaposing recurring themes of great contrast, with expression marks such as menacing, placid, clear, and forceful, with a hysterical edge in counterpoint with each other. contemporary since its founding in 1988. The list of performers and performances over the years is impressive, and the Matheson Sonata is one of but ten commissions over that span.