Composer

:

Anton Rubinstein

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1870

Publication Date

:

1871

Average_duration

:

34:51

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Anton Rubinstein's Sonata for piano, 4 hands in D major, Op. 89 was composed in 1874. The piece premiered on January 22, 1875, in St. Petersburg, Russia, with Rubinstein himself and his student, Alexander Siloti, performing the four-hand piano arrangement. The sonata is divided into four movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, begins with a lively and energetic theme that is passed between the two pianists. The second theme is more lyrical and introspective, providing a contrast to the opening material. The movement features a development section that explores the themes in various keys before returning to the opening material in the recapitulation. The second movement, marked Andante, is a beautiful and expressive adagio that showcases Rubinstein's gift for melody. The pianists play in close harmony, creating a rich and warm sound that is both soothing and emotional. The middle section of the movement features a more agitated theme that provides a contrast to the opening material before returning to the original theme. The third movement, marked Scherzo, is a playful and lively scherzo that features a syncopated rhythm and a catchy melody. The pianists play in close harmony, creating a sense of unity and energy. The trio section provides a contrast to the scherzo, featuring a more lyrical and expressive theme. The final movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a lively and energetic finale that brings the sonata to a thrilling conclusion. The movement features a virtuosic piano writing that showcases the technical abilities of the pianists. The themes from the previous movements are woven into the finale, creating a sense of unity and coherence. Overall, Rubinstein's Sonata for piano, 4 hands in D major, Op. 89 is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases the composer's gift for melody and his technical abilities as a pianist. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and virtuosic piano writing.

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