Composer

:

Alban Berg

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

ca. 1907 - 1908

Average_duration

:

12:01

Alban Berg's Piano Sonata, Op. 1, was composed in 1907-1908 and premiered on January 24, 1911, in Vienna. The sonata is divided into three movements, with a total duration of approximately 15 minutes. The first movement, marked "Mäßig," begins with a slow and melancholic introduction, which sets the tone for the entire piece. The main theme is then introduced, which is characterized by its lyrical and expressive qualities. The movement is structured in a traditional sonata form, with a development section that explores the themes introduced in the exposition. The movement ends with a recapitulation of the main theme, which is followed by a coda that brings the movement to a close. The second movement, marked "Sehr langsam," is a slow and introspective piece that is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and chromaticism. The movement is structured in a loose ABA form, with the central section featuring a more agitated and intense character. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, which is played in a more subdued and contemplative manner. The final movement, marked "Sehr rasch," is a lively and energetic piece that is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and virtuosic piano writing. The movement is structured in a rondo form, with the main theme returning several times throughout the movement. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical and expressive character, which provides a contrast to the energetic opening and closing sections. The movement ends with a coda that brings the sonata to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, Berg's Piano Sonata, Op. 1, is a highly expressive and emotionally charged work that showcases the composer's mastery of both traditional and modernist compositional techniques. The sonata is notable for its use of dissonant harmonies, chromaticism, and expressive melodies, which anticipate the composer's later works in the atonal style. Despite its modernist tendencies, the sonata remains firmly rooted in the tradition of the classical sonata form, making it a significant work in the development of 20th-century piano music.

More....