The Piano Sonata in B-flat minor is a work written by Julius Reubke between December 1856 and March 1857. Although it remains very obscure and is little performed (unlike the composer's Sonata on the 94th Psalm for organ), it combines the Lisztian technique of thematic transformation, colourful harmonies, virtuosic piano writing and a wide array of characters and sentiments.
The sonata was published posthumously, edited by the composer's brother, in 1871.
Description
The work opens with an Allegro maestoso, characterised by a dramatic, rising forte first subject. This rising motif (a minor semitone followed by a major third jump), is a significant theme of the movement, recalled at various points throughout (including the cadenza-like passagework). The main theme is built over a chordal structure of i, bII6, viio7, i4-3, v, and VI6/4. The work has other, similarly interesting modulations, presented as undecorated chordal series. The second theme, marked Quasi Recitativo is written in a free and vocal style. Its melancholy second subject, in the distant key of E major, recalls something of Reubke's own sadly short life.
References
- Reubke, Julius (1991) . Skinner, Jon; Stradal, August (eds.). Sonata for Organ, arranged for Piano Solo by August Stradal (PDF). Retrieved 10 May 2015.
{{cite book}}:|website=ignored (help) - Gailit, Michael. Julius Reubke (1834-1858) : Leben und Werk. OCLC 976913484.
- See score at IMSLP. See also OCLC 165361231.
Further reading
- Pátkai, Imre (2014). The first movement of Piano sonata in B-flat minor by Julius Reubke : a comparison of three editions from the performer's point of view. Denton, TX: University of North Texas. OCLC 928063938.
External links
- Piano Sonata (Reubke): Scores at the International Music Score Library Project