Composer

:

Fartein Valen

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1941

Average_duration

:

23:55

Fartein Valen's Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 38, was composed in 1934 and premiered in Oslo, Norway, on November 22, 1935. The sonata is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a fiery and intense piece that showcases Valen's use of dissonance and chromaticism. The opening theme is a series of descending chromatic lines that create a sense of tension and unease. The movement builds to a climax before ending abruptly. The second movement, marked Andante, is a stark contrast to the first. It is a slow and introspective piece that features a lyrical melody in the right hand accompanied by a simple chord progression in the left. The movement is characterized by its use of silence and space, creating a sense of stillness and contemplation. The final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a fast and energetic piece that brings the sonata to a thrilling conclusion. The movement is characterized by its use of rhythmic complexity and virtuosic piano writing. The movement features a recurring theme that is developed and transformed throughout. Valen's Piano Sonata No. 2 is a prime example of his unique style, which combines elements of Romanticism and modernism. The sonata is characterized by its use of dissonance, chromaticism, and unconventional harmonies. Valen's use of silence and space also sets him apart from his contemporaries. The sonata is a challenging and rewarding work for both performer and listener, and it remains an important contribution to the piano repertoire.

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