Sonate romantique

In 1982, I traveled to Hamburg, the birthplace of Brahms, and had the opportunity to admire his statue. The city was preparing to celebrate the following year the 150th birthday of the famous composer. This is where the idea of writing a work in his honor came to me.

Taking up the spirit of the romantic Lied, I tried to associate the language of Brahms with my own style. The form of the „Sonate romantique”, in four movements (allegro, scherzo, andante, allegro), is a reference to Brahms as well as the theme of the third movement based on the following notes: b flat (B) - d (R) – a (A) – b natural (H) - e natural (M) - e flat (S). In the 4th movement, bars 39 to 41, I faithfully took over the accompaniment of one of Brahms’ melodies.

The first movement is presented in sonata form, the second movement borrows the form of the Lied with trio, the third movement is a simple melody and the fourth movement a rondo. — Ferenc Farkas