Description
The work opens with an Allegro maestoso, characterised by a dramatic, rising forte first subject. This rising motif (a minor semitone followed by a major third jump), is a significant theme of the movement, recalled at various points throughout (including the cadenza-like passagework). The main theme is built over a chordal structure of i, bII6, viio7, i4-3, v, and VI6/4. The work has other, similarly interesting modulations, presented as undecorated chordal series. The second theme, marked Quasi Recitativo is written in a free and vocal style. Its melancholy second subject, in the distant key of E major, recalls something of Reubke's own sadly short life.
Read more about this topic: Piano Sonata (Reubke)
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