Piano Sonata No. 6 (Prokofiev)

Music#

The work is in four movements:

I. Allegro moderato#

The first movement introduces the main motto, where the melody is played in minor thirds and parallel major thirds. This makes the movement tonally unstable, since both A major and A minor are established. Also, the motto is accompanied by a rising and falling augmented 4th between notes A and D, creating sharp dissonances. Thus, it already introduces the uncertainty of the work. The greater part of it is dominated by grinding dissonances and frequent modulation, further increasing the despair of the work. Throughout most of the piece, there is a lack of key signature.

II. Allegretto#

The second movement has been described as having a march-like sound with staccato chords. There is also a very bouncy, humorous, and jaunty character to the outer sections of the piece. The middle section is more melodic and a little more pensive and mysterious.

III. Tempo di valzer lentissimo#

The third movement is similar to a waltz, slower and romantic in the outer sections, but with a stormy, bell-like middle section.

IV. Vivace#

The closing movement is a headlong rondo. The middle section recalls the opening motto from the first movement, albeit with the first note missing.

External links#

• Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 6 on Classical Connect.
• Video - Prokofiev Piano Sonata No 6 - Complete (30:34).