Description
Begun in 1818, this sonata in C major combines the open, expansive quality typical of the major key with Schubert's characteristic gentle harmonic shifts. At around nineteen minutes and over ten thousand notes, it calls for maintaining a singing melodic line while keeping the music's flow unbroken. Across its extended structure, sustaining long phrases and discerning each subtle harmonic shift demand both concentration and a refined ear, suiting advanced pianists.
Piano sonatas representative of the Classical and Romantic eras, including Beethoven's early works — substantial multi-movement pieces throughout.
Browse all songs in Piano Sonatas →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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