A discussion of the Piano sonata No. 2 in D minor, op. 14, by Sergei Prokofiev

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to introduce the piece, provide historical background, and focus on the musical analysis of the sonata. The introduction of the piece includes a brief biography of Sergei Prokofiev and the circumstance in which the piece was composed. A general overview of the composition, performance, and perception of this piece is then discussed. The bulk of the paper focuses on the musical analysis of Piano Sonata No. 2 from the perspective of a performer of the piece. It is broken into four sections, one each for the four movements in the sonata. The discussion for each movement includes the analysis of the forms used as well as the required techniques and difficulties to be considered by the pianist. The conclusion summarizes the discussion.