Serge Prokofiev was one of the finest twentieth-century composers and pianists. He wrote more than 100 piano pieces, including 9 sonatas and 5 concertos. There are five principal factors that have dominated his arts. They are classicism, innovation, t...
Serge Prokofiev was one of the finest twentieth-century composers and pianists. He wrote more than 100 piano pieces, including 9 sonatas and 5 concertos. There are five principal factors that have dominated his arts. They are classicism, innovation, the toccata or motor element, lyricism and an element of grotesqueness.
Prokofiev sought freedom from typical nineteenth-century techniques. He found a wider range of dynamics and new techniques, which use the piano's full sonority, at the same time treating it as a basically percussive instrument.
His finest keyboard writing is exhibited in the nine piano sonatas. Sonata no.7, op.83 in B-flat Major is one of his virtuoso keyboard works. This piece is typical of Russian composers in the way its brittle percussive style consorts with lyrical passages.
In its first movement it shows a good contrast between its first theme with percussive rhythm and its second theme with lyrical melody. The second movement is Andante doloroso with a richly sonorous melodic line. The third movement becomes almost hypnotic in its rhythmic propulsion. Rhythm is nearly the sole point of focus.
The new concept of accepting the piano as a percussive instrument can be found in repeating ostinato figures and perpetual motion rhythm to a powerful climax.
Piano Sonata no.7, op. 83 is evaluated as one of masterpieces of modern piano works, which has expanded innovative new sound and piano techniques.