Sonata for Two Pianos (Stravinsky) explained

Sonata for Two Pianos is a composition by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky, premiered in 1944 by Richard Johnston and Nadia Boulanger. First conceived as a solo work, Stravinsky needed to write it for four hands to voice all four melodic lines clearly.[1] It is considered one of Stravinsky's most important compositions for two solo pianos, together with Concerto for Two Pianos.

Structure

The sonata is in three movements, though one CD recording indexes the theme and four variations of the second movement separately.[2] However, it is in only three movements.

Notes and References

  1. Richard Carpenter, Stravinsky: Sonata for Two Pianos. Allmusic website (Accessed 10 October 2011).
  2. Stravinsky: Music for Two Pianos: The Rite of Spring, Sonata, Concerto. Benjamin Frith and Peter Hill (pianos). Naxos 8.553386. Hong Kong: Naxos Records, 1996. Track listing on Naxos.com (Accessed 10 October 2011).