Sonata opus
35 for clarinet and piano
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Sonata for
clarinet is divided into six componant movements, linked in pairs, the
entire sonata played without pause.
Part one
consists of the exposition of the main themes - a rhapsodic opening,
and the lyrical barcarolle second theme. The development section
follows expanding on both initial themes before leading directly into
the toccata-like Scherzo.
Here the thematic materialis distinguished by register shifts. Low
aggressive piano writing contrasts with the rapid clarinet part. The
roles invert for the Trio section, where the piano now moves to the
upper register.
Part two begins
with the impressionist Nocturne,
which shifts delicately between thematic elements of both the first and
second themes of the sonata. A solo cadenza for the clarinet brings the
movement to its transition into the next movement - Tiento, structurally a mixture of
contrapuntal exposition and march-like rythmes.
Part three
begins with the slow, sad Arioso movement.
The piano takes the lead, keeping the entire opening of the movement to
itself before the clarinet comes in. The Rondo finale works through all
the expressive material of the preceding movements in reverse order.
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