The Seventh Sonata is
the middle one of three wartime sonatas Prokofiev wrote for piano. Begun in
1939, it was completed in 1942 following the composer's evacuation from Moscow.
The premier was performed by Sviatoslav Richter on January 18, 1943, and the
work was subsequently awarded the Stalin Prize.
The piece is as turbulent
as it is compelling. The first movement begins with material that is both
driving and disturbing. Partial relief comes in the form of a contrasting
section, which is slower-paced and serene yet questioning.
The second movement takes us into a different world. It progresses gently, but there is an underlying sense of angst. Dreamlike, it builds gradually to a climax that
ultimately gives way to a soft ending, suggesting optimism.
Fiery and poignantly rhythmic, the final movement is a dramatic toccata, one of the finest in the piano literature. Requiring considerable virtuosity, the obvious struggle that this work embodies concludes in triumph. Notes
by George F. Litterst
Classical Music | Piano Music
Sergei Prokofiev
Sonata No. 7 in F-flat Major, Op. 83 Play
Recorded on 01/22/2008, uploaded on 01/26/2009
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
Sonata No. 7, Op. 83 Sergei Prokofiev
Allegro inquieto; Andante caloroso; Precipitato
The Seventh Sonata is the middle one of three wartime sonatas Prokofiev wrote for piano. Begun in 1939, it was completed in 1942 following the composer's evacuation from Moscow. The premier was performed by Sviatoslav Richter on January 18, 1943, and the work was subsequently awarded the Stalin Prize.
The piece is as turbulent as it is compelling. The first movement begins with material that is both driving and disturbing. Partial relief comes in the form of a contrasting section, which is slower-paced and serene yet questioning.
The second movement takes us into a different world. It progresses gently, but there is an underlying sense of angst. Dreamlike, it builds gradually to a climax that ultimately gives way to a soft ending, suggesting optimism.
Fiery and poignantly rhythmic, the final movement is a dramatic toccata, one of the finest in the piano literature. Requiring considerable virtuosity, the obvious struggle that this work embodies concludes in triumph. Notes by George F. Litterst
More music by Sergei Prokofiev
Sonata for Cello and Piano in C Major, op.119
Violin Sonata No. 1 in f minor
Five pieces from the ballet Romeo and Juliet for viola and piano
Dance of the Knights from Romeo and Juliet
Sonata No. 9 in C major, op. 103
Sonata No. 8 in B-flat Major, Op. 84
Sonata No. 7 in F-flat Major, Op. 83
March from the opera "Love to the three oranges"
Sonata No. 2 in D Major, Op. 94 bis (1st mov, Moderato)
Piano Sonata No.2 in D minor op.14 3rd moviment
Performances by same musician(s)
Sonata in F Major, K 533/494
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