Roy Agnew: Sonata Fantasie (pub 1927)

Abstract

"The Sonata Fantasie was published in 1927, and dedicated to the famous pianist, William Murdoch, who played it a number of times at his London concerts. All six of Agnews piano sonatas use the Lisztian one-movement structure, and this one is among the longest of the series. Burston told me that Agnew considered the work to have four distinct subjects; the writing is dense and involved, and constant changes of metre and mood create a tumultuous atmosphere. There is a complete recapitulation: the composer may have felt that repetition was desirable, given the complexity of the work. Despite its Scriabinesque feel, the Sonata Fantasie was well received by the critics on its first performances in London, and certainly represents Agnews entree into the world of international music." -- Larry Sitsky