Piano Sonata No. 1 in G minor, Op. 45 (Sonata Tragica)

Instrumentation

Musical Terms (5)

• Elf-like English
  A whimsical character marking calling for lightness and speed suggestive of a fairy or sprite. Found in MacDowell's Sonata Eroica.
  Play with minimal weight and very light touch. Pedal sparingly. The effect should sound effortless and slightly mischievous.
• Fiercely English
  An intensity marking indicating wild and powerful playing without restraint. Used in the final movements of MacDowell's sonatas.
  Commit fully to dynamic extremes and rhythmic drive. Maintain clarity even at forte. MacDowell distinguished fierceness from mere loudness.
• Tenderly, longingly English
  A lyrical character marking indicating an expressive and yearning quality, with emotional warmth and a slight sense of reaching forward.
  Allow gentle rubato in the melodic line. Shape phrases with a vocal quality, leaning into the long notes. Do not overpower the accompaniment.
• With great power and dignity English
  A combined character instruction indicating both physical force and noble bearing. Prominent in the Keltic Sonata Op. 59.
  Bring a full, orchestral tone. The power should feel controlled and grounded rather than aggressive. Keep the pulse steady and authoritative.
• With nobility English
  A tempo and character marking used by MacDowell in place of Italian terms. Indicates a dignified and stately bearing, with weight and breadth of phrasing.
  Play with a broad tone and unhurried pulse. Avoid rushing; let the musical line breathe. MacDowell favoured English-language markings throughout his sonatas as a deliberate artistic choice.