Bartók Béla Viktor János ： Piano Sonata BB 88 Sz 80

Bartók’s Piano Sonata is striking for its powerful sonorities, incisive rhythmic character, and use of the piano in an almost percussive manner. Comprising three movements, it contrasts the driving force of the first, the weighty and concentrated stillness of the second, and the intense sense of motion in the third. Performers should bring out the constantly shifting accents and dissonances clearly, while avoiding reliance on volume alone and remaining attentive to the movement of each voice and the direction of every phrase. Within the hard-edged attack, it is essential to maintain a sense of tension and release.