Piano Sonata No.3 in B minor Op.58

Piano Sonata No.3 in B minor Op.58

1. Allegro maestoso
2. Scherzo: Molto vivace
3. Largo
4. Finale: Presto non tanto

This work was complete in 1844, the beginning of Chopin’s last period coinciding with his final rupture with George Sand. Although the funeral visitations of the Second Sonata are no longer present, the sparkle and the brilliance are not entirely without shadows.

The Allegro maestoso is dominated by two themes, a powerful and decisive first subject, which is forged into many shapes even before the D major cantilena second subject makes its songful appearance.

After the strong-willed ending to the first movement the pianistic lacework of the Scherzo comes as a delicious contrast demanding exquisite lightness of touch from the pianist. The longer central section as a slow waltz-like tempo and lies in the middle register of the piano.

The Largo opens with percussive dotted octaves but then immediately loses heart and the heroics are suspended in favour of a dreamy nocturne, whose singing line has a gently rocking movement. The central section has a more mobile melodic figure but with several questioning suspensions of the forward movement. The return of the nocturne is also marked by hesitations and doubts.

The gentle conclusion of the Largo is rudely dispelled by the tumultuous character of the Finale, which becomes virtuosic pyrotechnics.

Francis Humphrys