Composer

:

Giacinto Scelsi

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1941

Average_duration

:

15:59

Giacinto Scelsi's Piano Sonata No. 4 is a solo piano work composed in 1952. It premiered in Paris in 1953, performed by Yvonne Loriod. The sonata is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and style. The first movement, marked "Lento," is characterized by its slow, meditative pace and sparse, delicate textures. The opening theme is a simple, descending melody that is repeated and developed throughout the movement. Scelsi's use of silence and space creates a sense of introspection and contemplation. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a stark contrast to the first. It is fast-paced and frenetic, with jagged rhythms and dissonant harmonies. The movement is built around a series of short, angular motifs that are repeated and varied, creating a sense of tension and urgency. The final movement, marked "Lento," returns to the introspective mood of the first. It is characterized by its use of sustained, ethereal harmonies and delicate, shimmering textures. The movement builds to a climax before fading away into silence. Overall, Scelsi's Piano Sonata No. 4 is a work of great emotional depth and complexity. Its use of silence, space, and unconventional harmonies creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity, inviting the listener to explore its depths and uncover its hidden meanings.

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