Work
Piano Sonata No. 2 'Marie Duplessis'
for piano
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About
The first movement contains two contrasting elements. The first element is thematic material of a clearly defined character and this occurs at varying pitches during the course of the movement. The second element which has a transitional and developmental function is a harmonic transformation of the thematic material of the first element.
The second movement takes the form of a "quasi-valse" which contains with it an "adagio espressivo" section, inward-looking and sombre in character. The movement closes with another slow section ("molto lento e tristamente") which serves as the resolution, both structurally and emotionally of the sonata as a whole.
Dedication note
Dedicated to the memory of Alphonsine Plessis (Marie Duplessis) who was the inspiration for the character Marguerite Gautier in the novel 'La Dame Aux Camelias' by Alexander Dumas (fils).
Performance history
05 Dec 1985: Performed by Sally Mays at Australia House, London, United Kingdom
19 May 1987: Broadcast on Concert FM, performer Sally Mays (piano)