Dominik Wagner (double bass) and Aurelia Vişovan (piano) perform Franz Schubert’s Sonata in A minor for Arpeggione and Piano, D. 821, also known as the “Arpeggione Sonata”. The sonata is originally written for arpeggione, a six-stringed musical instrument, fretted and tuned like a guitar, but bowed like a cello, and thus similar to the bass viola da gamba. Here, Wagner performs the piece on double bass. This performance was recorded in April 2019 at the Mozartsaal of the Wiener Konzerthaus.
Franz Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata
Franz Schubert’s Sonata in A minor for Arpeggione and Piano, D. 821, commonly known as the Arpeggione Sonata, holds a unique place in the chamber music repertoire. Composed in 1824, this work is the only notable composition written for the arpeggione, an instrument that was invented in 1823 by Johann Georg Stauffer in Vienna. The arpeggione, also known as the ‘guitar violoncello’ and ‘guitare d’amour’ was a six-stringed instrument, fretted like a guitar but played with a bow like a cello. Despite its beautiful sound, the arpeggione never gained widespread popularity and quickly fell into obscurity, making Schubert’s sonata a rare gem written specifically for this unusual instrument.
Given the arpeggione’s decline, performers have adapted the sonata for more commonly played instruments, most notably the cello and the viola, but also the double bass, flute, and guitar among others. This adaptability has helped the sonata remain a beloved piece in the classical music world, celebrated for its lyrical melodies, rich harmonic language, and the intimate dialogue between the solo instrument and the piano.
The sonata is imbued with Schubert’s characteristic melodic beauty, emotional depth, and subtle shifts between major and minor tonalities. It reflects the composer’s late style, with a profound sense of introspection and an almost vocal quality to the melodic lines, suggesting the influence of his songwriting. The work is both technically demanding and expressively rich, requiring performers to navigate its intricate passages with sensitivity and finesse.
The Arpeggione Sonata’s enduring popularity, despite the disappearance of its namesake instrument, is a testament to Schubert’s genius as a composer. His ability to craft music of enduring beauty and emotional resonance has ensured that this sonata remains a favorite among musicians and audiences alike, regardless of the instrument on which it is performed. Its place in the repertoire as a work of adaptability and timeless appeal underscores Schubert’s mastery of musical expression and his profound impact on the chamber music genre.
Movements
1. Allegro moderato
The first movement of Franz Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata, marked Allegro moderato, is a masterful display of lyrical expression and structural elegance. It opens with a tender and introspective theme introduced by the piano, which sets the stage for the entire movement. This theme is soon taken up by the solo instrument, whether it be the arpeggione, cello, viola, or another adaptation, weaving a dialogue between the soloist and the piano that is both intimate and expressive.
Schubert’s gift for melody is evident in this movement, as the main theme unfolds and evolves, characterized by its flowing lines and nuanced dynamics. The composer takes full advantage of the arpeggione’s unique qualities (or the adapted instrument’s capabilities), crafting passages that highlight the instrument’s lyrical potential and expressive range.
The movement is structured in a modified sonata form, with a development section that explores new harmonic territories and introduces contrast through the interplay of major and minor modes. Schubert’s treatment of form is both traditional and innovative; he adheres to classical norms while infusing the music with his unique voice and emotional depth.
Throughout the Allegro moderato, there is a pervasive sense of longing and melancholy, typical of Schubert’s late works. The movement is replete with beautiful, singing melodies that are both simple and deeply affecting, demonstrating the composer’s unparalleled ability to convey complex emotions through music.
The interaction between the piano and the solo instrument is of particular note, as Schubert carefully balances the two voices, allowing them to complement and enhance each other. The piano part is not merely accompaniment but an equal partner in the musical conversation, contributing to the movement’s rich texture and harmonic depth.
The first movement concludes with a return to the opening theme, bringing a sense of closure to the narrative journey. This recapitulation is both reflective and forward-looking, encapsulating the movement’s emotional landscape and setting the stage for the movements that follow.
2. Adagio
The second movement of Franz Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata, marked Adagio, is a poignant and deeply expressive interlude that showcases Schubert’s unparalleled ability to convey emotion through music. This movement, though brief, is imbued with a profound sense of introspection and serenity, serving as the emotional heart of the sonata.
Opening with a delicate and tender melody in the piano, the Adagio immediately establishes a mood of reflective calm. The solo instrument soon enters, taking up the melody and adding depth to the movement’s expressive quality. The melody itself is simple yet profoundly moving, with Schubert’s characteristic use of subtle dynamic shifts and harmonic nuances to enhance the emotional impact.
The interplay between the solo instrument and the piano in this movement is particularly noteworthy. Schubert crafts a dialogue that is intimate and supportive, with the piano providing a gentle accompaniment that complements the solo line’s lyrical expressiveness. The texture is sparse, allowing each note and chord to resonate fully, creating a space for contemplation and emotional depth.
One of the defining features of the Adagio is its economy of material. Schubert demonstrates his mastery of form and expression by saying much with relatively little, using a restrained palette to evoke a wide range of feelings and moods. The movement is a testament to the power of melody and harmony to convey complex emotional states, with Schubert’s music transcending the limitations of the instruments to speak directly to the listener’s heart.
The Adagio concludes as gently as it began, with the solo instrument and piano winding down in a quiet and peaceful resolution. The movement leaves a lasting impression of tranquility and poignancy, serving as a reflective pause between the more dynamic outer movements of the sonata.
3. Allegretto
The third movement of Franz Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata, marked Allegretto, serves as a lively and spirited finale to the sonata, contrasting with the introspective serenity of the second movement. This final movement is characterized by its dance-like rhythms, buoyant energy, and the playful interplay between the piano and the solo instrument, whether it’s the arpeggione, cello, viola, or another adaptation.
The movement opens with a cheerful, upbeat theme that immediately establishes a sense of vivacity and movement. This theme, with its rhythmic vitality and melodic appeal, sets the tone for the entire movement. Schubert masterfully develops this material, weaving variations that explore different moods and textures while maintaining the movement’s overall light-heartedness.
One of the hallmarks of this movement is the effective use of contrast. Schubert juxtaposes the lively main theme with more lyrical, subdued sections, creating a dynamic musical narrative. These contrasting sections showcase the composer’s lyrical gifts and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions within a single movement. The return to the main theme after each digression feels both familiar and fresh, thanks to subtle variations in harmony, rhythm, and texture.
The interplay between the piano and the solo instrument is particularly engaging in this movement. Schubert crafts parts that are both technically challenging and musically satisfying, requiring a high level of communication and coordination between the performers. The piano is not merely an accompaniment but an equal partner, contributing to the movement’s thematic development and overall texture.
As the movement progresses, Schubert introduces a series of variations and developments that build on the initial theme, demonstrating his compositional skill and creativity. The energy and momentum increase, leading to a spirited and joyful conclusion. The final section of the movement is marked by a brisk tempo and brilliant passagework, culminating in a jubilant and satisfying end to the sonata.
This finale exemplifies Schubert’s ability to combine classical form with romantic expressivity. It reflects the composer’s mastery of melody, harmony, and form, as well as his understanding of the instruments for which he was writing. This movement, with its exuberance and charm, provides a fitting conclusion to the sonata, leaving the listener with a sense of uplift and fulfillment. Through this movement, Schubert demonstrates the enduring power of music to convey joy and beauty, cementing the Arpeggione Sonata’s place as a beloved work in the chamber music repertoire.
Sources
- Arpeggione Sonata on Wikipedia
- Arpeggione Sonata, D.821 (Schubert, Franz) on the International Music Score Library Project website