Alban Berg: Piano Sonata, Op. 1

If Arnold Schoenberg had not emphasized instrumental composition in Alban Berg’s lessons, this sonata might never have been written. Schoenberg saw that Berg had an affinity for writing vocal works but lacked skill in instrumental composition, so he required Berg to write many instrumental pieces. Berg had attempted composing five earlier piano sonatas, but this sonata, dating from 1907-1908, is the only one he completed. Some ideas from his earlier sketches reappeared in this sixth attempt.
In spite of Berg’s inexperience as a pianist, his Piano Sonata is an effective piece conveying intense emotion. There are several moments of poignant climax accentuated by changes in tempo and dynamics. The sonata also has lyrical melodies which reveal Berg’s skill in vocal composition. Central to Berg's style is atonality, which gives the work a sense of endless wandering and instability.
This recording was made in February 2022, and with it I won 2nd place in the California Association of Professional Music Teachers Honors Competition.