Composer

:

Harold Shapero

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Sonata

Average_duration

:

17:57

Harold Shapero's Sonata for Piano 4-Hands is a four-movement work composed in 1941. The piece premiered on March 9, 1942, at the Coolidge Auditorium in Washington, D.C., with the composer and pianist Leonard Shure performing. The first movement, marked Allegro, is characterized by its lively and playful nature. The two pianists engage in a dialogue, exchanging melodic and rhythmic ideas throughout the movement. The second movement, marked Andante, is more introspective and contemplative. The pianists play in unison, creating a sense of unity and harmony. The third movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a scherzo-like movement with a fast and energetic tempo. The pianists play off each other, creating a sense of competition and excitement. The final movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a fiery and dramatic conclusion to the sonata. The pianists play with great intensity, building to a thrilling climax before ending the piece with a flourish. Overall, Shapero's Sonata for Piano 4-Hands is a virtuosic and challenging work that showcases the technical abilities of the pianists. The piece is characterized by its lively and playful nature, as well as its moments of introspection and drama. The sonata is a testament to Shapero's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically demanding and emotionally engaging.

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