Piano Sonata No. 7 (Prokofiev)

Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No. 7 in B flat major, Op. 83 (sometimes also called "Stalingrad"), the second of his three War Sonatas, was composed between 1939-1942 and premiered January 18, 1943 in Moscow by Sviatoslav Richter. [ [http://prokofiev.org/catalog/work.cfm?WorkID=93 Prokofiev.org] ]

Movements

I. Allegro inquieto

The Allegro inquieto is a movement which both pay homage to and mocks the classical sonata. As the tempo suggests, the tempo and rhythms are very nervous and suspenseful. The opening theme is mocking and harsh, and features many loud cluster-like chords. The second theme is a slow, thoughtful theme that seems to wander both through various keys and harmonies, and motives. This long section begins to slowly pick up and results in the tumultuous, extremely chromatic and violent development. After reprising a portion of the slow section, a final quick, mocking fragment of the main theme is presented which ends in the only full statement of the key of the piece with a quite, quick roll of the B-flat major chord.

II. Andante caloroso

The slow section is initially very beautiful, but seeping with sentimental emotion. This quickly decays into an extremely chromatic section which sifts through tonal centers with various, none of which seem familiar to the E-flat that began the piece. The theme slow and melts into the lush opening theme once more.

III. Precipitato

Perhaps one of the most brilliant toccatas ever written, the Precipitato boldly declares the key of the sonata with many B-flat chords. The speed can vary greatly, however at any speed it can seem quite formidable. The toccata culminates into a furious recapitulation of the main theme of the rondo, utilizing the full span of both hands, until the piece finally ends in a shower of octaves.

Notes

External links

* Sheet music available at [http://www.musopen.com/sheetmusic.php?type=sheet&id=179 Musopen.com]
* Recording available at [http://www.musopen.com/sheetmusic.php?type=sheet&id=179 Musopen.com]