Elbphilharmonie Explains: Franz Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor

»On the first page of the score, Liszt presents basically all of the material he’ll draw from in the rest of the piece,« says Nahre Sol about Franz Liszt’s famous Sonata in B Minor. On the piano, she shows how the composer succeeds in creating an entire world from individual melodic ideas. In its contemplative way, and characterised by emotional ruptures, the Sonata is a key work in Liszt’s oeuvre – and presents a number of questions for performers and musicologists. What is the work about? Is the great virtuoso processing his retirement from the concert stage in the piece? Nahre Sol detects a »battle of forces« in the dramatic work, one that fluctuates between profound despair and carefree ecstasy. How does it end? It’s hard to say. »That’s why it’s so interesting to hear many different interpretations. The arc of the work can be so different,« she explains.

As Creator in Residence for the 2023/24 season, the YouTuber, pianist and composer Nahre Sol shares all sorts of videos on general musical themes, important artists and the artistic highlights of the season.