Damase, Jean-Michel : Sonatine pour piano
Work Overview
First Publisher:Henry Lemoine
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:sonatina
Total Playing Time:7 min 20 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (1)
Author : Hirano, Takatoshi
Last Updated: March 12, 2018
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Author : Hirano, Takatoshi
A work consisting of three movements. The total performance time is approximately 7 and a half minutes. While characteristic charming elements of Damase's piano works, such as rapid runs, expansive melodies, and fluent, continuous figures, are present, the piece as a whole is characterized by a simple texture and a clear distinction between melody and accompaniment.
First Movement: Moderato
Over a steady figuration in the left hand, the right hand presents the opening melody, varying it in diverse ways. The meter freely alternates between 3, 4, and 5 (a combination of 2 and 3), but due to the stable accompaniment figuration, the meter changes are not particularly prominent.
Second Movement: Andante
Both hands calmly play quarter-note chords. Their rhythm remains perfectly steady. The slowly moving melodic line is so lyrical that it could easily become a song if words were added. It leads directly into the third movement (attacca).
Third Movement: Allegro
This movement is like the first movement but with more restless motion and a somewhat drier character. It begins with a jagged right-hand melody combining narrow and wide intervals, and after improvisatory modulations, the melody is sung out grandly at the end. The manner of its conclusion resembles that of the first movement of the Piano Sonata (1953).