Sonata for Oboe and Piano

A Grazioso Development

 

The second movement of my Sonata for Oboe and Piano, marked Andante grazioso, is in ABA form.  The middle B section, however, is not truly new material; rather, it is more akin to a development, growing out of the A theme.  The opening phrase of the A melody, presented by the oboe, is shown below.  Notice in particular the center of the phrase, consisting of a three-note stepwise ascent, an upward leap, and a mirroring three-note stepwise descent.  No doubt this symmetry is part of what gives this melody its grazioso (graceful) character.

 

Now compare the passage below from the B section, starting with the pickup to bar 31.  Here the opening phrase, its center in inversion, and a partially inverted from of the center are all woven together into a dialogue between the piano and the oboe.

 

Few if any listeners will be analyzing these motivic relationships so formally as they hear the passage, but I believe the relationships are perceptible to the subconscious and enrich our experience of the music.  Yes, the movement begins with a soulful and pleasing melody, but it is the further development of that material that transforms this music into art.

The passage shown starts around 2:30 in the video below.

 

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