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Piano Sonatas

Piano Sonata in D major, D.850

Franz Schubert (1825)

DifficultyAdvanced
Duration39:34
Notes25,120
OpusD.850

Description

Composed in 1825 around the time of Schubert's stay in the spa town of Bad Gastein, this D major sonata is sometimes known as the "Gastein" sonata. It has an open, expansive character with passages of vigorous rhythmic energy, making it more outwardly exuberant than many of his other sonatas in major keys. Nearly forty minutes long with about twenty-five thousand notes, it demands sustained concentration and a wide dynamic range from advanced pianists.

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."

View all works by Schubert
Piano Sonata in D major, D.850 - Franz Schubert | Visual Piano