Piano sonatas (Chopin)

Frédéric Chopin composed three piano sonatas, two being published in his lifetime, one posthumously. They are considered to be Chopin's hardest piano compositions both musically (along with his Polonaise-fantaisie, Op. 61) and technically (along with his Allegro de concert, Op. 46). They cover a period of time from 1828 to 1844, reflecting Chopin's style changes.

Piano Sonata No. 1 in C minor, Op. posth. 4

Main article: Piano Sonata No. 1 (Chopin)

Chopin composed this piano sonata in 1828, when he was still studying with Józef Elsner, to whom the sonata was dedicated. This sonata has been highly underestimated, both technically and musically, and its quality and difficulty is no worse than his other two piano sonatas. Despite having a low opus number, this work is published posthumously in 1851 by Tobias Haslinger's son. This work is among the least recorded of all Chopin's work.

Movements

This sonata has four movements.

1. Allegro maetoso
2. Menuetto
3. Larghetto
4. Finale: Presto

Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35

Main article: Piano Sonata No. 2 (Chopin)

Chopin composed this sonata in 1839 at Nohant, near Châteauroux in France, popularly known as the Funeral March. However, the third movement, whence comes the sonata's popular common nickname, had been composed as early as 1837. This sonata is undoubtedly one of Chopin's most well known piano works, and was frequently performed in concert.

Movements

This sonata has four movements.

1. Introduction: Grave - Doppio movimento
2. Scherzo
3. Marche funèbre: Lento
4. Finale: Presto

Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58

Main article: Piano Sonata No. 3 (Chopin)

Chopin composed this sonata in 1844 and dedicated it to Countess Emilie de Perthuis. As his last sonata for solo piano, it has been suggested that this was his attempt to address the criticisms of his earlier Sonata No. 2, Op. 35.

Movements

1. Allegro maetoso
2. Scherzo: Molto vivace
3. Largo
4. Finale: Presto non tanto; Agitato