Migot, Georges : Sonatine sur les touches blanches
Work Overview
Publication Year:1952
First Publisher:Alphonse Leduc
Dedicated to:Jean Pourtal de Ladevèze
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:sonata
Total Playing Time:4 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: April 14, 2024
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Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Composed in July 1950, in Saint-Jean-d'Angély. This sonatina is written exclusively on white keys. It is a short piece spanning two pages. Migot favored composing pieces on white keys without using any accidentals. Besides this work, there are instances where he incorporated all-white-key movements into sonatas and suites without explicitly stating they were for white keys, some of which are exceptionally difficult. Therefore, the technical simplicity of this work stems solely from its concise writing. It is not simple merely because it is a white-key piece.
Consisting of three very short movements:
- Movement 1: "Prélude" (Prelude), Allègre et clair (Lively and clear), 4/4 time.
- Movement 2: "Berceuse" (Lullaby), Andante, modéré (Slowly, moderately), 3/4 time.
- Movement 3: "Fugue," Décidé (Decidedly), 4/4 time.
A consistently thin texture, consisting solely of the intertwining of two monophonic voices, prevails throughout. Although the number of notes is small, it is advisable for learners to approach this piece after gaining some familiarity with polyphonic music (e.g., Bach's Two-Part Inventions). The dedication "For children and musicians" indicates that it is not intended solely for learners. Its clear and moderate musical character is unique, making it an attractive repertoire choice for performers as well.
Dedicated to Jean Pourtal de Ladevèze (poet). Migot had a relationship with Pourtal de Ladevèze, composing songs and choral works based on his poetry. Migot was also an accomplished poet, dedicating his poetry collection published in 1951 to Pourtal de Ladevèze.