Composer

:

Galina Ustvolskaya

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1957

Average_duration

:

10:18

Galina Ustvolskaya's Piano Sonata No. 4 was composed in 1957 and premiered in Moscow the same year. The sonata is comprised of three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro," is characterized by its driving rhythms and intense energy. The piano's percussive attacks and angular melodies create a sense of urgency and tension that builds throughout the movement. Ustvolskaya's use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies adds to the unsettling atmosphere of the piece. The second movement, marked "Largo," is a stark contrast to the first. The tempo slows down considerably, and the mood becomes more introspective and contemplative. The piano's sustained chords and sparse melodies create a sense of space and stillness. Ustvolskaya's use of silence and pauses adds to the sense of emptiness and isolation. The final movement, marked "Allegro," returns to the energy and intensity of the first. The piano's driving rhythms and angular melodies return, but with even greater force and urgency. Ustvolskaya's use of repetition and variation creates a sense of momentum and inevitability that builds to a powerful climax. Overall, Ustvolskaya's Piano Sonata No. 4 is a challenging and uncompromising work that demands both technical virtuosity and emotional intensity from the performer. Its unconventional harmonies, dissonant textures, and stark contrasts make it a unique and powerful addition to the piano repertoire.

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