Robert Fuchs - Piano Sonata No. 1 in G Flat Major Op. 19 (1877)

Piano Sonata No. 1 by Robert Fuchs. Performed by Daniel Blumenthal.

I. Moderato - 00:00
II. Allegro - 13:27
III. Andante Mosso - 18:47
IV. Allegro Molto - Quasi Presto - 26:40

Earning the appreciation of Brahms, the First Sonata, Op. 19, of 1877 remains still thoroughly Schubertian. The opening Moderato starts with a theme that has the character of a fanfare. The second motif makes its first appearance in the minor, before moving to the major, followed by unexpected modulation in a generally less adventurous harmonic context. Later a complementary idea, in D, demonstrates the composer's love of tonic pedal-point, a tendency learned from Brahms. The Scherzo could be the work of Schubert, with its Ländler rhythm and its charming Trio in which Brahms imagined the appearance of a young swallow. The slow movement treats a classical subject of almost Mozartian character in a series of four variations of which the third, the most developed, sounds like a Schubert Impromptu. The final Rondo alternates its martial refrain with two episodes, one of a similar character with a tonic pedal, the other more distinct and contrapuntal, resembling a chorale. The minor tonality prevails in this piece up to the brilliant conclusion in rapid octaves.