Examining Schubert's Piano Sonatas His Innovations and his Conservative Shift to a More Classical Style of Composition
Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Clark, Maribeth
Keywords
Schubert, Franz, Sonata, Sonata Form
Area of Concentration
Music
Abstract
Through the examination of Schubert's sonatas and the circumstances surrounding their creation, one begins to gain a clear picture of his place in history. Sonata form posed special difficulties to Schubert due to the fact that this form was becoming irrelevant to the newly-developed Romantic style. Schubert dealt with this dilemma by turning to a more classical style of composition in his mature sonatas; this is especially evident in his abandonment of the unclassical use of the subdominant in his 'off-tonic' recapitulations. Schubert made important contributions to the development of sonata form with his synthesizes of the two types of three-key expositions used by classical composers before him. Schubert also stands out in the history of the sonata for his enduring fascination with the 'off-tonic' recapitulation. Schubert's mature sonatas create a fusion of the Classical ideals of form and Romantic emotional expression, making them fascinating objects to study and to enjoy.
Recommended Citation
Wood, Sara, "Examining Schubert's Piano Sonatas His Innovations and his Conservative Shift to a More Classical Style of Composition" (2004). Theses & ETDs. 3478.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3478
Rights
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