Ullmann - Piano Sonata No. 6- I Allegro molto

First movement from the Piano Sonata No. 6 Op. 49 (1943)

Viktor Ullmann (1898-1944) belongs in the sphere of composers repressed by the Nazis and nearly forgotten since WWII. Ullmann attended Schoenberg's seminars on composition and harmony in 1919 and also studied quarter-tone music with Alois Hába. From an early age, Ullmann embraced the path towards atonality and his surviving compositions reflect the influence of the Second Viennese School, Richard Strauss, and Krenek. When the Nazis came to power, he was arrested (his parents were Jewish) and deported to the concentration camp, Theresienstadt. He continued composing during his stay at the camp, but in 1944 he was sent to Auschwitz and subsequently murdered.

The Sixth Piano Sonata was written during his imprisonment at Theresienstadt; the anguished latter half of the first movement (starting at 2:06) is no doubt inspired by his experiences there.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• viktor
• ullmann
• schoenberg
• berg
• webern

[Lukecash12]

Oh god, please post more Ullmann!

[Hexameron]

The "Andante poco adagio" section beginning at 2:06 is the summit of Ullmann's expressive angst in this sonata. I'll upload the other movements, but don't expect a similar emotional sound world; they're far more optimistic.

[Lukecash12]

Very sentimental, i appreciate the video :)

[crookedmelody1]

That was INCREDIBLE! Such a beautiful piece. I really like the build-up at the end

[sutphoe]

like a moodier version of Milhaud anyone?

[lovesGenet]

You can really feel the heft of some emotion.This is fully realized.He makes it his own!

[lexarsepa]

Oh I do like this far more than the Konrad Richter recording I have of all of the Ullmann Piano Sonatas.

[Enriquehack]

Horrilbe..........!!!!!!!!! There's no expression or respect of the pianos and fortes.

[pocoapoco2]

I really like how Schleiermacher really takes his time with the pick-up notes. It's only a small little detail for sure, but I think it adds a lot to the mood.

[EuriskoLontano]

Yet prior to the 2:06 point the exuberant exposition of this movement certainly revealed (to me at least) Gershwinesque moments, and moments they are due to the rapid flow. Anyone else hear these?

[Lukecash12]

thank you