Performer as Narrator: The Second Movement of Franz Schubert’s Piano Sonata in A Major D959

Authors

  • Tham Horng Kent Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjung Malim, Perak, Malaysia.

Keywords:

dynamic form, interpretation, musical plot, performer as narrator, Piano Sonata D959, Schubert

Abstract

This paper investigates how a performer might engage with the construction of narrative experiences in and through the performance of the Second Movement of Schubert’s Piano Sonata in A Major, D959. The investigation is based on the understanding of the role of the performer as narrator in the performance of early nineteenth-century piano music in general and Schubert’s Piano Sonata in A Major, D959, in particular. In addition to considering aspects of the musical context in Schubert’s own time, this article will shed light on a ‘paradigm shift’ between what Lawrence Zbikowski termed ‘static form’ and ‘dynamic form’. The traditional large-scale form, such as sonata-form, represents the ‘static form’ which consists of balanced structure built from regular sub-units with clear harmonic connections between each other. The ‘dynamic form’ was conceived as ‘form as process’ where the emphasis was given to a performer in defining the musical structure throughout a piece. This creative role of a performer in giving shape to music suggests the idea of narration and the Second Movement of Schubert’s Piano Sonata in A Major, D959, presents an interesting example for musical narration in early Romantic music. There appears to be no consensus as to a ‘stylistically correct’ rendition of Schubert’s Piano Sonata in A Major, D959, and it possesses some unique musical features, which invite performers and researchers to conduct an investigation of the sonata.

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Published

01-03-2016

How to Cite

Kent, T. H. (2016). Performer as Narrator: The Second Movement of Franz Schubert’s Piano Sonata in A Major D959. Malaysian Journal of Music, 5(2), 17–35. Retrieved from https://ejournal.upsi.edu.my/index.php/MJM/article/view/819