Composer

:

George Enescu

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

Jul 22, 1924 - Aug 27, 1924

Publication Date

:

1926

First Performance

:

Nov 21, 1925

Average_duration

:

24:56

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

George Enescu's Piano Sonata No. 1 in F sharp minor, Op. 24/1, was composed in 1924 and premiered in Paris the same year. The sonata is comprised of four movements: I. Prelude: Moderato - The sonata opens with a hauntingly beautiful prelude, featuring a lyrical melody that is introduced by the right hand and then echoed by the left. The piece builds in intensity, with the melody becoming more complex and the harmonies more dissonant, before resolving in a peaceful coda. II. Scherzo: Molto vivace - The second movement is a lively scherzo, full of energy and rhythmic drive. The playful melody is passed between the hands, with the left hand often providing a syncopated accompaniment. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical melody, before returning to the playful scherzo theme. III. Funeral March: Andante - The third movement is a somber funeral march, with a mournful melody that is introduced by the left hand. The right hand provides a simple accompaniment, while the left hand's melody becomes increasingly complex and expressive. The middle section of the movement features a more hopeful melody, before returning to the mournful march theme. IV. Finale: Presto molto agitato - The final movement is a virtuosic tour-de-force, featuring rapid runs and arpeggios that showcase the pianist's technical skill. The movement is full of energy and excitement, with the melody constantly shifting between the hands. The piece builds to a frenzied climax before ending with a triumphant coda. Enescu's Piano Sonata No. 1 is characterized by its complex harmonies, expressive melodies, and virtuosic piano writing. The sonata is a challenging work for pianists, requiring both technical skill and emotional depth to fully realize its potential. Despite its difficulty, the sonata has become a beloved work in the piano repertoire, admired for its beauty and complexity.

More....