Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata in C sharp minor, D. 655, is one of the many unfinished works in his vast repertoire. The surviving first movement, Allegro moderato, offers a glimpse into Schubert's rich emotional world. It is characterized by a haunting, lyrical melody that weaves through complex harmonic progressions, showcasing Schubert's mastery of the piano and his ability to convey profound emotion through music. The movement is both delicate and dramatic, with sudden dynamic shifts and intricate interplay between the hands, reflecting Schubert's Romantic sensibilities.
In 2006, British pianist and composer Neil Crossland took on the ambitious task of completing this unfinished sonata, staying true to Schubert's style. Crossland's continuation of the sonata seamlessly blends with Schubert's original ideas, expanding upon them with a deep understanding of the composer's harmonic language and melodic structure.
The second movement, Andante sostenuto, is marked by its lyrical beauty and gentle melancholy, echoing the introspective nature of Schubert's later works. The third movement, a Scherzo, introduces a playful and rhythmically vibrant contrast, with sudden modulations and intricate counterpoint that reflect Schubert's affinity for dance forms. The final movement, Allegro, brings the sonata to a powerful and triumphant close. It is filled with dynamic contrasts and virtuosic passages, capturing the essence of Schubert's late style, where joy and sorrow are inextricably intertwined.
Crossland's completion of the sonata is a testament to his deep understanding of Schubert's music, offering audiences a glimpse of what could have been.
