Franz Schubert

Piano Sonata a minor op. 42 D 845

Schubert composed his piano sonata in a minor in May 1825; it is one of Schubert's few piano works that was published during his lifetime. The four movements are expressive but each in its own way: a ballade style in the first piece, a songful second movement, surging restlessness in the third and eruptive passion in the final movement. Together, however, they constitute a uniform work.

Since the autograph is lost, this revised Urtext edition is based exclusively on the first edition that was authorised by Schubert. The preface and comments provide detailed information on the genesis of the work and on open questions concerning the musical text. Carefully thought-out fingerings by Schubert expert Martin Helmchen round off the edition.