Stravinsky originally conceived his Sonata for Two Pianos (1943 -44) as a solo work. As the sonata took shape, however, the composer realized that, in his own words, "four hands were required to voice the four lines clearly." The sonata is markedly contrapuntal, each player providing two distinct though sometimes overlapping lines.

The opening movement, Moderato, is in sonata-allegro form. Following a traditional tonal scheme, the first subject is in F major, the second in C major. A very brief development follows the exposition, but is cut short by the return of the opening themes, now presented in reverse order. The second movement is a canonic theme followed by four variations that variously present the theme in a chorale setting, against an ostinato accompaniment, and as the subject of a fugue. The final, ternary-form movement, Allegretto, has a predominantly minor-key feel, and employs simple, folklike melodies.

The sonata was premiered in 1944 by pianist Richard Johnson and the renowned performer and pedagogue Nadia Boulanger.



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