Piano Sonata No.3 Op. 82 (2002)
for piano solo
c. 16'00"

Commissioned by the American Pianists Association for James Giles
First Performance: 11 April, 2003; James Giles, piano; The Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, IN.

Published by Theodore Presser Company | 410-41337

Recordings:
Albany | James Giles, piano

Reviews:
"There is no question, however, that Lowell Liebermann's Sonata No.3 Op.82 is of a very different magnitude to the other new works played in this recital. Its scale is breathtaking, its drama evocative and its lasting place in the repertoire imperishable. Liebermann's largest solo piano work to date, and his first piano sonata for 20 years, it has all the typical elements of lyrical brilliance and formidable virtuousity which were hallmarks of his two, incandescent piano concertos (recorded by Stephen Hough for Hyperion)...It is a magnificent work."

Marc Bridle, MusicWeb.UK

"Without belittling any of the previous works, Mr. Liebermann's Third Sonata had a singular depth, a complexity and - dare I say it? - an importance, even at this, my first hearing. It begins ferociously, it ends with presto quickness, and in between is music that goes from melody to madness with hardly a stop. The most lyrical passages would stop with sudden explosive chords. At times, we would go into a convoluted fugue, this stopped to continue with the melody again. The end had a frantic Bartok-style dance, but even this dance seemed dark, driven by other devils. Schoenberg once wrote, 'It is impossible for a human being to have only one thought at a time.' Mr. Liebermann showed that music too can present a multiplicity of emotions within the confines of his own personal logic."

Harry Rolnick, ConcertoNet.com

"Lowell Liebermann's Sonata No. 3 is a gritty pianistic challenge. Composed four years ago, it is driven by rhythmic impulse and tempered by soaring lyricism. "

Michael Huebner, The Birmingham News