Piano Sonata No. 6 (Prokofiev)

Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No. 6 in A major, Op. 82 (1940) is a sonata for solo piano, the first of the Three War Sonatas. The sonata was first performed on 8 April 1940 in Moscow.[1]

Movements
  1. Allegro moderato (in A major)
  2. Allegretto (in E major)
  3. Tempo di valzer lentissimo (in C major)
  4. Vivace (in A minor, ending in A major)

1. Allegro moderato

The first movement introduces the main motto, where the melody is played in minor thirds and parallel major thirds. This makes the movement tonally unstable, since both A major and A minor are established. Also, the motto is accompanied by a rising and falling augmented 4th between notes A and D#, creating sharp dissonances. Thus, it already introduces the uncertainty of the work. The greater part of it is dominated by grinding dissonances and frequent modulation, further increasing the despair of the work. Throughout most of the piece, there is a lack of key signature.[2]

2. Allegretto

The second movement has been described as having a march-like sound with staccato chords. There is also a very bouncy and jaunty character to the outer sections of the piece as well. The middle section is more melodic and a little more pensive.[2]

3. Tempo di valzer lentissimo

The third movement is similar to a waltz, slower and romantic.[2]

4. Vivace

The closing movement is a rondo, containing material from the opening movement.[2]

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References
  1. Sorensen, Sugi (2005). "The Prokofiev Page - Piano Sonata No 6 in B flat m, Op 82". Allegro Media. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  2. Friskin and Freundlich. Music For The Piano (first ed.). p. 233.
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