Extended Sonata in B minor, Op. 58: III. Largo (1:42)

The Sonata in B minor, Op. 58, was composed in 1844 and published in 1845. It retains the dramatic structuring inherited from the Classics. Here, as in Mozart and Beethoven, the composition—rendered coherent by means of differences, contrast, and end-weighting—comprises four movements. The third movement, Largo, which might be termed the central movement of the Sonata, ushers in real feelings and reflections. It is replete with song. It has the shape and character of a nocturne, a song—actually an aria—of the night. A nocturne cantabile flows through its outermost sections. It is serious, focused, and held back by a dotted rhythm. Chopin gave the middle section of the Largo to contemplative, self-absorbed music. Its waves seem immobile, though here, too, the narrative breaks off, and we hear ‘unanswered questions.’

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