Kabalevsky left three piano sonatas. While Piano Sonata No. 1, composed in 1928 during his time at the conservatory, is not widely known, Piano Sonata No. 2, composed in 1945, and Piano Sonata No. 3, composed in 1946, are frequently performed.

The year 1945, when Piano Sonata No. 2 was composed, also marked the victory of his homeland, the Soviet Union, in World War II. The work conveys Kabalevsky's joy of victory and his love for his homeland. It is also a technically very rich composition.

Structure

The sonata consists of three movements:

• I. Allegro moderato
  A brilliant piece, "joyful, like a festival," conveying the joy of victory in the Great War.
• II. Andante sostenuto
  Expresses a sense of mourning for those who died in the war.
• III. Presto assai
  Features folk-like episodes. In rondo form.