Abstract:
Mykola Lysenko (1842−1912) is recognized as a founding figure of Ukrainian classical
music. In 1875, he wrote the Sonata in A minor, Op. 16. This study, complements and expands
the author’s recording of the Sonata in A minor by providing a theoretical analysis of the piece.
Its findings argue that Lysenko used Classical form to present Ukrainian folk elements in the
Sonata in A minor, Op. 16 to create a distinct sound. The study is divided into three chapters.
Chapter 1 introduces the study by outlining the historical context in which Lysenko wrote the
Sonata in A minor, Op. 16, followed by a literature review and summary of the study’s goals. In
Chapter 2, I analyze the work to show how Lysenko composed in the Classical genre and uses
Classical structure to organize this piece. Chapter 3 applies Yakov Soroker’s framework for
understanding musical motives found in Ukrainian music to show how the Sonata in A minor,
Op. 16 syncretizes Ukrainian folk elements with Classical form. In sum, my investigation finds
Lysenko integrated Ukrainian motives in the work, thus creating a nationalistic expression within
the piece. The study complements the author’s recording of Sonata in A minor, Op. 16,
completed in partial fulfillment of the Doctor of Arts degree.
