Interpreted by Edgar Bainton
Sonata in B Flat Major, posthumous work (First Two Movements)
Molto Moderato ; Andante Sostenuto
SCHUMANN considered that there was a clear difference between Schubert's earlier Sonatas and the three which are said to have been his last compositions. In these last three (of which to-night's is the third) Schumann found ' a greater simplicity of invention,' and ' a cheerful surrender of every effort to be thought brilliant and original.'
The FIRST MOVEMENT of this Sonata in B Flat (at a very moderate pace) is a long piece in itself. It opens with a very soft, sustained melody, smooth and grave, perhaps even mystical. It is long before we pass on from this First Main Tune. Perhaps a real change of mood would destroy the power of the whole Movement. At any rate, there is never any real break in the contemplation-the Second Main Tune is very closely akin to the First.
The SECOND MOVEMENT (moving steadily, sustained) continues the deep thought set out by the First. The Main Section is characterized by a distinctive rhythm which persists throughout. A Middle Section consists of one long, simple melody.