Program Notes - Chopin Marathon, 2 March 2025

Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35 (1839)

Chopin’s second piano sonata is renowned for its emotional depth and structural contrasts. The sonata, full of dramatic moments and lyrical beauty, includes some of Chopin’s most iconic themes, including the famous Marche funèbre (Funeral March).

I. Grave – Doppio movimento

The opening movement begins with a slow, dignified Grave theme, full of weight and drama. The Doppio movimento section follows, introducing a faster, more energetic theme. The stark contrast between the somber introduction and the lively second theme creates a dramatic framework, with sweeping chords and wide leaps demanding precise technique and control.

II. Scherzo: Molto vivace

The second movement is a lively and spirited scherzo, full of rapid passagework and playful energy. This movement, in 6/8 time, features contrasting sections with a lighter, more delicate middle part. The pianist must balance lightness with the rapid-fire virtuosity, with frequent changes in character and dynamics. The movement ends abruptly, providing a sudden shift in mood and adding to the piece’s playful, mercurial nature.

III. Marche funèbre: Lento

The third movement, Marche funèbre, is one of the most famous funeral marches in the classical canon. The opening theme is heavy and solemn, played in the left hand while the right hand offers a simple, accompanying melody. A more lyrical, contrasting theme enters in the middle section before returning to the somber march theme. This movement’s slow, steady march rhythm and stark, repetitive chords evoke a sense of mourning and loss.

IV. Finale: Presto

The final movement is a dynamic, virtuosic finale that contrasts sharply with the previous movements. It features rapid runs and intricate fingerwork, challenging the performer’s technique and dexterity. The movement ends in an exuberant coda, building to a powerful and unexpected conclusion that adds a sense of resolution to the work.

Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58 (1844)

Chopin’s third piano sonata, completed in 1844, is one of his most sophisticated works, blending expansive, lyrical themes with virtuosic passages. It is more balanced and refined than his second sonata, with intricate harmonic structures and a more lyrical, cohesive sense of form.

I. Allegro maestoso

The first movement begins with a majestic theme that alternates between bold, triumphant phrases and more lyrical, reflective sections. The sonata-form structure is intricate, with thematic development and key modulations that showcase Chopin’s harmonic ingenuity. The movement culminates in a powerful recapitulation, bringing back the opening theme in an even more assertive manner before concluding with a grand finish.

II. Scherzo: Molto vivace

The second movement is a playful and lively scherzo in 6/8 time, with rapid figurations and an effervescent character. The movement alternates between playful themes and dramatic, emphatic passages, requiring the pianist to maintain rhythmic precision and fluidity. The middle section, more lyrical and delicate, provides a contrast before returning to the scherzo’s lively theme, culminating in a brilliant finish.

III. Largo

The third movement is one of Chopin’s most poignant slow movements, featuring a deeply lyrical and contemplative theme. The movement’s simplicity is deceptive, requiring careful attention to phrasing and a deep understanding of expression. The movement builds to a brief, uplifting middle section before returning to the original theme, ending on a note of serene melancholy.

IV. Finale: Presto

The final movement is a virtuosic rondo, full of rapid runs and lively themes. The movement is marked by dynamic contrasts and sudden shifts in mood, requiring the pianist to navigate quick changes in texture and tempo. The music builds to a dramatic and energetic conclusion, with a blazing finish that resolves the sonata on a triumphant note.

Written by Phu Koanantakool