Some of Franz Schubert’s most important works were created in 1828, in the last year of his life, when his health was already in a very poor state. Among them is the Sonata in B- flat Major, D. 960, which stands out not only within Schubert’s oeuvre but also within the sonata genre as a whole. The composition is a kind of hybrid between the lyricism and narrative perspective of the 19th century and the mentality of classical proportions characteristic of Schubert’s Viennese predecessors. Teaching this sonata presents complex technical, interpretative, structural, and emotional challenges, which can positively influence a student’s development in these areas. Learning the piece requires the student to internalize classical patterns to such an extent that they can use them as a framework for conveying content that aligns in its mode of expression with the musical tradition of the Romantic period. Additionally, the composer employs textures characteristic of compositions for various instrumental ensembles, allowing for the enhancement of auditory imagination and the application of analogies from the sound of other instruments to piano performance. The first movement of the Sonata in B-flat Major raises several questions regarding tempo, repetition, instrumentation, and the inspiration behind it, which require a thorough knowledge of not only Schubert’s symphonies but also those of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Meanwhile, the second movement draws inspiration from the sound of string instruments and demands precision in pedaling, articulation, and reading of the musical text. Thethird and fourth movements, with their shifts in emotional content and character, present technical and performance challenges that require appropriate practice strategies and an understanding of Schubert’s creative power. The pedagogical potential of the Sonata in B-flat Major is most evident in developing storytelling through interpretation, fostering consistency in preparing and performing the work, raising awareness of the importance of precisely following the composer’s markings, and integrating elements of both Classicism and Romanticism into a unified whole. An analytical approach to the structure of Schubert’s sonata allows advanced piano students to effectively address the challenges posed by the piece while also offering a valuable insight into the composer’s mentality, contributingto their artistic development.
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