Piano Sonata, Op. 1 (Berg)
Movements
Notes
Berg’s Piano Sonata, Op. 1, was published in 1910. It is Berg’s only piano work to which he gave an opus number. The sonata is not in the typical classical form of three or four contrasting movements, but consists of a single movement centred in the key of B minor. Berg originally intended for the Sonata to be a more traditional multi-movement work, the opening movement followed by a slow movement and a finale. However, for a long period he lacked any ideas for these other movements. Berg turned to Schoenberg, who commented that the lack of inspiration meant that ‘[Berg] … had said all there was to say’. Following Schoenberg’s advice, Berg decided to publish the finished movement and let it stand by itself.
