Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1913-1919

Average_duration

:

9:27

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Camille Saint-Saëns composed his Sonata for cello & piano No. 3 in D major (unfinished), Op. posth. in 1915, just a year before his death. The piece was never completed, and only two movements were ever written. The sonata was premiered posthumously in 1922, with the first movement being performed by cellist Joseph Hollman and pianist Alfred Cortot. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, begins with a lyrical cello melody accompanied by a simple piano accompaniment. The melody is then repeated with variations, showcasing Saint-Saëns' skill in developing a theme. The second theme is introduced by the piano, and the two instruments engage in a dialogue before the cello takes over with a virtuosic passage. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme. The second movement, marked Allegro, is a lively scherzo with a playful cello melody and a syncopated piano accompaniment. The middle section features a more lyrical theme, but the playful mood returns for the coda. Despite being unfinished, the Sonata for cello & piano No. 3 in D major showcases Saint-Saëns' mastery of melody and his ability to create engaging dialogues between the cello and piano. The piece is characterized by its lyrical melodies, virtuosic passages, and playful mood.

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