The Piano Sonata in B-flat minor is a work written by German composer Julius Reubke between December 1856 and March 1857. Although it remains very obscure and is little performed (unlike the composer's Sonata on the 94th Psalm[1] for organ), it combines the Lisztian technique of thematic transformation, colourful harmonies, virtuosic piano writing and a wide array of characters and sentiments.
The work opens with an Allegro maestoso, characterised by a dramatic, rising forte first subject. This rising motif (a semitone followed by a major third jump), is a significant theme of the movement, recalled at various points throughout (including the cadenza-like passagework). The main theme is built over a chordal structure of i, ♭II6, viio7, i4-3, v, and VI6/4. The work has other, similarly interesting modulations, presented as undecorated chordal series. The second theme, marked Quasi Recitativo is written in a free and vocal style. Its melancholy second subject, in the distant key of E major, recalls something of Reubke's own sadly short life.
Pátkai, Imre (2014). The first movement of Piano sonata in B-flat minor by Julius Reubke: a comparison of three editions from the performer's point of view. Denton, Texas: University of North Texas. OCLC928063938.
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