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Home > Schubert, Franz > Sonate für Klavier Nr.20 A-Dur

Schubert, Franz : Sonate für Klavier Nr.20 A-Dur D 959

Work Overview

Music ID : 591
Composition Year：1828　
Publication Year：1839
First Publisher：Diabelli
Instrumentation：Piano Solo　
Genre：sonata
Total Playing Time：42 min 00 sec
Copyright：Public Domain
sonata

Commentary (1)

Author : Inada, Saeko

Last Updated: July 1, 2007
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

One of the most popular works among Schubert's piano sonatas. It is the second of the three piano sonatas that Schubert composed rapidly, despite his declining health, just two months before his death. Ten years later, in 1838, it was published by Diabelli & Co. along with No. 19 and No. 21, under the title "Schubert's Last Works. Three Grand Sonatas." It was dedicated to Schumann (see commentary on No. 19).

While it is a profoundly beautiful work, interspersed with lyrical, song-like themes throughout, it also encompasses an emotional intensity that suggests an awareness of impending death. This precarious balance may be one of the work's charms.

First Movement: Allegro, A major, 4/4 time. Sonata form.

It begins majestically with powerful chords and vibrant dotted rhythms. The development section, using the simple second theme as its material, unfolds with a sense of urgent haste.

Second Movement: Andantino, F-sharp minor, 3/8 time. Ternary form.

The transitional, intense passages of the second section are framed by a tranquil part consisting of a barcarolle-like theme.

Third Movement: Scherzo. Allegro vivace, A major, 3/4 time.

A stimulating Scherzo movement, enlivened by its staccato rhythms.

Fourth Movement: Rondo. Allegretto, A major, 4/4 time. Rondo-sonata form.

The highly approachable opening theme is adapted from the slow movement of Schubert's own Piano Sonata No. 4. Although it is a rondo, the emphasis is placed on the central presentation of this theme rather than the insertion of episodes. For Schubert, this theme must have held such significant value.

Writer: Inada, Saeko

Movements (4)

Mov.1 Allegro

Total Performance Time: 15 min 30 sec 

Videos 3

Explanation 1

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Mov.2 Andantino

Total Performance Time: 8 min 30 sec 

Videos 5

Explanation 1

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Mov.3 Scherzo: Allegro vivace

Total Performance Time: 5 min 30 sec 

Videos 5

Explanation 1

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Mov.4 Rondo: Allegretto

Total Performance Time: 12 min 30 sec 

Videos 4

Explanation 1

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