Schubert: Allegro in A Minor, Opus 144 (“Lebenssturme”) Professional Grade

ed. Maurice Hinson and Allison Nelson

Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Book

Level: Advanced

Franz Schubert was one of the most prolific composers of ensemble piano music, and the Allegro in A Minor, Op. 144, demonstrates his mastery at writing for one piano, four hands. This large and passionate work was composed in 1828, the year of Schubert’s death. It is written in sonata-allegro form and may have been intended as the first movement of a sonata. It was first published by Anton Diabelli in 1840 with the title Lebensst�rme: Characterischeres Allegro (Life’s Storms: Characteristic Allegro). The Allegro makes extensive use of chromaticism, Neapolitan sixth chords, and contrasts of moods.