Progetto Martha Argerich

italiano

Works

Franz Liszt

Sonata in B min., R 21

 

The Sonata in B minor, written in 1852-53, probably synthesises Franz Liszt’s linguistic and formal achievements and innovations better than any of his other works. It consists of only one, extended movement within which the traditional movements of the classical-romantic sonata are joined together. The composition is based, in essence, on the use of three themes (or “musical segments”, as they have been described), that circulate through the entire work and form its structural skeleton. The free tonal plan, the absence of rigorous development sections and the agitated violence of its many virtuosic passages make the Sonata in B minor one of Liszt’s most avant-garde, experimental pieces. It profoundly influenced Wagner and the whole new German school, not to mention such non-Theutonic composers as César Franck. Liszt dedicated the work to Robert Schumann, who, many years earlier, had dedicated the Fantasy in C Major, Op. 17 – one of his freest and most visionary work – to Liszt.

Lento assai – Allegro energico – Andante sostenuto – Allegro energico – Andante sostenuto – Lento assai

Performers

Performance