Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1905

Average_duration

:

32:57

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

The Sonata for cello & piano No. 2 in F major, Op. 123, was composed by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns in 1905. It was premiered on January 19, 1906, in Paris, with the composer himself playing the piano and the cellist Joseph Hollman. The sonata consists of four movements. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the piano, which is then taken up by the cello. The two instruments engage in a lively dialogue, with the cello playing a more lyrical and expressive melody while the piano provides a rhythmic accompaniment. The movement ends with a virtuosic coda. The second movement, marked Andante, is a lyrical and expressive piece that showcases the cello's singing qualities. The piano provides a delicate and understated accompaniment, allowing the cello to shine. The movement is notable for its use of chromaticism and subtle harmonic shifts. The third movement, marked Allegro poco scherzoso, is a playful and light-hearted piece that features a lively and syncopated rhythm. The cello and piano engage in a lively and virtuosic dialogue, with both instruments taking turns playing the main theme. The final movement, marked Allegro, is a lively and energetic piece that brings the sonata to a thrilling conclusion. The cello and piano engage in a virtuosic dialogue, with both instruments playing fast and intricate passages. The movement ends with a triumphant coda that showcases the technical prowess of both performers. Overall, the Sonata for cello & piano No. 2 in F major, Op. 123, is a virtuosic and expressive work that showcases Saint-Saëns' mastery of both the cello and piano. The sonata is notable for its use of chromaticism, subtle harmonic shifts, and virtuosic passages, and is a beloved work in the cello repertoire.

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