Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1970

First Performance

:

Nov 8, 1970

Average_duration

:

10:27

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Einojuhani Rautavaara's Piano Sonata No.2, subtitled "The Fire Sermon," was composed in 1990 and premiered the same year by the pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy. The sonata is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked "Allegro molto," is a fiery and intense opening that sets the tone for the entire piece. The piano writing is virtuosic and demanding, with rapid runs and arpeggios that require great technical skill. The music is full of contrasts, with sudden shifts in dynamics and tempo that keep the listener on edge. The second movement, marked "Adagio," is a stark contrast to the first. It is a slow and contemplative meditation that explores the more introspective side of Rautavaara's musical language. The piano writing is sparse and delicate, with long, sustained chords and gentle melodies that evoke a sense of stillness and calm. The final movement, marked "Vivace," returns to the energy and intensity of the first. It is a fast and furious finale that showcases the pianist's technical prowess. The music is full of rhythmic complexity and harmonic tension, with dissonant chords and unexpected twists and turns that keep the listener engaged until the very end. Overall, Rautavaara's Piano Sonata No.2 is a powerful and dynamic work that showcases the composer's unique voice and style. It is a challenging piece for the performer, requiring great technical skill and emotional depth to bring out the full range of its expressive possibilities.

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