Composer

:

Horatio Parker

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1908

Average_duration

:

11:41

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

The 'Sonata for organ in E flat minor, Op. 65' is a four-movement work composed by Horatio Parker, an American composer and teacher. The sonata was completed in 1901 and premiered on March 6, 1902, at the Church of the Holy Trinity in New York City, with Parker himself performing on the organ. The first movement, marked 'Allegro moderato', begins with a somber and mysterious introduction, featuring a descending chromatic scale in the pedals. The main theme is then introduced in the manuals, a lyrical melody with a dotted rhythm. The development section explores various harmonic and contrapuntal possibilities, leading to a powerful climax before the recapitulation of the main theme. The movement ends with a coda that brings back the chromatic scale from the introduction. The second movement, marked 'Andante espressivo', is a lyrical and introspective piece, featuring a cantabile melody in the right hand accompanied by gentle arpeggios in the left hand. The middle section introduces a new theme, more agitated and chromatic, before returning to the main theme in a varied form. The third movement, marked 'Allegro vivace', is a lively and virtuosic scherzo, featuring a playful and syncopated theme in the manuals, with a contrasting trio section in the relative major key. The scherzo returns with a shortened version of the main theme, leading to a brilliant coda. The fourth and final movement, marked 'Allegro maestoso', is a grand and majestic finale, featuring a powerful and triumphant theme in the manuals, with a pedal line that adds to the grandeur of the piece. The development section explores various keys and textures, leading to a climactic moment before the recapitulation of the main theme. The movement ends with a brilliant coda that brings back the opening theme in a triumphant and majestic way. Overall, the 'Sonata for organ in E flat minor, Op. 65' is a masterful work that showcases Parker's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the organ as an instrument. The sonata is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and virtuosic passages, as well as its lyrical and introspective moments. It remains a staple of the organ repertoire and a testament to Parker's legacy as a composer and teacher.

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