Structure
There are four movements:
- I. Allegro maestoso
- II. Allegretto
- III. Andanto espressivo
- IV. Presto (comodo)
The outer movements follow the classic sonata form; the inner movements are in three-part A-B-A form. Michael Kennedy observes that to play the finale successfully, the organist needs to be a mental and physical athlete.
The genesis of the work was a request to Elgar to write an organ voluntary for a convention of American organists in the English city of Worcester in 1895. Instead, Elgar decided on a four movement sonata of nearly half an hour's length. It was first performed by the Worcester Cathedral organist, Hugh Blair, on 8 July 1895. According to the score inscription, it took Elgar only a week to write the piece.
The work was dedicated to Elgar’s friend and fellow-musician, Charles Swinnerton Heap (1847-1900).
Read more about this topic: Organ Sonata (Elgar)
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