Solarstone returns with sonata, the latest single teasing his forthcoming innermost album due early summer. A master of progressive trance and one of the genre’s most respected pioneers, Solarstone (Richard Mowatt) has built a legendary career blending emotive melodies with timeless dancefloor energy. With over two decades of releases and live performances, Solarstone’s sound remains deeply rooted in trance’s classic elements while pushing its boundaries into fresh, sophisticated territory.
With sonata, Solarstone channels a bold fusion of classical music structure and electronic expression. Inspired by the timeless works of composers like Bach, Haydn, and Chopin, sonata imagines what a Baroque or Classical-era sonata might sound like if composed in the electronic age. This is no gimmick — it’s a thoughtfully crafted homage that perfectly suits the progressive trance ethos.
The track’s architecture follows a traditional fast-slow-fast tempo structure, reminiscent of the sonata form. Solarstone leans into this concept by utilizing exclusively hardware synthesizers to maintain that authentic acoustic-to-electronic transition, reflecting the intimate small-ensemble feel of a classical sonata. Drawing sonic inspiration from foundational trance labels such as EyeQ, Harthouse, and Superstition, sonata reverberates with nostalgia while sounding strikingly modern.
Opening with cinematic sweeping strings, a pulsing bassline, and a dramatic drum roll, sonata immediately captivates. The ethereal echo of Gregorian chants adds a haunting, almost spiritual dimension. As the track unfolds, modulating sub-riffs build tension, culminating in a richly ornate piano sonata solo — a rare moment of classical purity in electronic form. The piece then ascends through scherzo-like shifts before reaching an emotional and melodic crescendo, marrying Solarstone’s hallmark precision with expressive depth.
sonata is a deeply immersive journey that transcends typical club fare, inviting listeners into a uniquely crafted space where history and futurism meet. For fans of progressive trance who appreciate layered storytelling through sound, this track is a stunning example of genre evolution with profound respect for musical heritage.
⭐️ Rating: 10/10
🎧 Perfect for:
Solarstone delivers a flawless blend of classical inspiration and progressive trance mastery with sonata. It’s both innovative and timeless — a true standout in his discography. Late-night progressive trance sets, deep listening sessions, and anyone craving an emotionally sophisticated yet technically refined electronic experience that bridges centuries of musical tradition.
Artist: Solarstone
Track: sonata
Label: Black Hole Recordings
Release Date: May 30th, 2025
Get your copy here: https://blackhole.lnk.to/sonata
Connect with Solarstone:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solarstone
X: https://www.twitter.com/richsolarstone
Connect with Black Hole Recordings:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackholerecordings
X: https://www.twitter.com/blackholerec
Take a listen to Solarstone – sonata here:
