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

In one movement

Piano Sonata No.3 was commissioned by the American Pianists Association for pianist James Giles who premiered the work on April 11, 2003 at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.

ABOUT

The Third Piano Sonata was commissioned by the American Pianists Association for James Giles, and was premiered by him on April 11th, at the Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, Indiana. 

The Sonata, although in one movement, is the longest of the my three piano sonatas and is notated mostly without time signatures.  After a slow, almost improvisatory opening marked “inquieto, esitante,” the music turns violent in a rhythmically incisive section marked “Con tutta forza.” An “Adagio con molto rubato” acts as a bridge to two sections marked “(Dona Nobis Pacem)” and “(Lullabye).” These titles were meant as indications of mood rather than having any specific programmatic meaning. An “Interlude” leads to the final “Allegro” which closes with material from the beginning of the work.

RECORDINGS

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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."
MusicWeb.UK

"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. "
The Birmingham News

“it is extrovert and darkly dramatic, and has a large-scale fast-slow-fast structure which gives it a dynamic diversity that keeps the listener consistently enthralled.”
Music & Vision

“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 lyrical passages to madness with hardly a stop…”
ConcertoNet

“The second half began with Lowell Liebermann’s fine 2002 Third Sonata, admirably performed from memory, a work of no little quality.”
Musical Opinion (UK)