Chopin composed three sonatas for piano, the first of which (1827-28) is a youthful work. This first attempt has been the subject of much comment. Here and there, however, we hear glimpses of the mature Chopin. Like in the Larghetto, which remarkably enough is written in an unusual 5/4 time. The Second Sonata (1837) is the one with the famous funeral march. This was the earliest movement, the other
… movements were composed around it. The short Finale is no less morbid. Both hands move in unison at lightning speed, without a recognizable theme or a clear key. As if it were almost atonal music. The Third sonata (1844) is perhaps less coherent, but no less beautiful for that. For instance, we hear a Scherzo that is at times fairy-like and a Finale that is muscular and heroic. Véronique Bonnecaze graduated from the Bordeaux Conservatory at the age of 14. She continued her studies at the Paris Conservatory (first prize for piano and chamber music) and the Juilliard School in New York. Her recording of Chopin's etudes was praised by Harold Schonberg of the New York Times. (HJ)more
