Description
Completed in 1828, shortly before Schubert's death, this is his final piano sonata. A low trill appears early in the gentle opening theme like a sudden shadow, foreshadowing the coexistence of unease and serenity that runs through the entire work. Spanning over forty minutes and more than twenty thousand notes, it demands mature control of contrast between stillness and motion from advanced performers.
Piano sonatas representative of the Classical and Romantic eras, including Beethoven's early works — substantial multi-movement pieces throughout.
About the Composer
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Franz Schubert was a Vienna-born composer who died at only 31 but left behind a vast body of work, especially in the field of Lieder. Known for his gift for melody and subtle modulation, songs such as "Erlkonig" remain widely performed today. His piano works, including the Impromptus, are equally rich in lyricism. This site includes 120 of his works, such as Impromptus, "Erlkonig," and the "Hungarian Melody."
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